You, that was preparing to go that
distance to find a lost man--I say, sir, it would be heavenly, if you
went and found a fortune instead. I've arranged a cable to Hales,
and the _I'll Away_ will be waiting for you at Valparaiso. But in
case he should miss--which he won't--here are papers for you:
bearings of the island, sketch-map, copy of bond of agreement with
him, copy of agreement with Renton. All these I was bringing to put
into your hand yesterday. But, my God! Sir Roderick, now that I've
heard what I've heard--that you were preparing to search the South
Pacific for me, and for no worse reason than that a poor devil was
cast away there, I'd ask you on my knees to sleep in the berth you've
booked and travel to better purpose."
It has occurred to me since--and more than once or twice--that
although the man and his offer were honest, he had a secondary
purpose all this while: to get me out of the way lest I should
embarrass his pursuit of Foe and his other scheme of which I am to
tell.
But, on the whole reckoning, I incline to think the man was perfectly
sincere, and even eager to do me this kindness; which--as things
turned out--was really an extravagant one, on the monetary
calculation.
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