"How much will it cost?" asked Mr. Somers.
"I lay it at ?2,000," I answered. "You see, we must have plenty of men
and guns and stores, also trade goods and presents."
"I call that cheap. But supposing, Mr. Quatermain, that the expedition
proves successful and the plant is secured, what then?"
"Then I propose that Brother John, who found it and of whom I have
told you, should take one-third of whatever it might sell for, that I
as captain of the expedition should take one-third, and that whoever
finds the necessary money should take the remaining third."
"Good! That's settled."
"What's settled?" I asked.
"Why, that we should divide in the proportions you named, only I
bargain to be allowed to take my whack in kind--I mean in plant, and
to have the first option of purchasing the rest of the plant at
whatever value may be agreed upon."
"But, Mr. Somers, do you mean that you wish to find ?2,000 and make
this expedition in person?"
"Of course I do. I thought you understood that. That is, if you will
have me.
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