Page:Germ Growers.djvu/137

132 events of this morning removed doubt on the subject.

We found quite a practicable ascent of the cliff on the side of the stair which was further from the platform. And, after climbing this, we found a fairly even space of several hundred yards, and then an easy descent upon the other side. We did not, however, attempt the descent, but sat down and talked. Jack began—

"Bob," he said, "we must keep cool, for we are playing for very high stakes."

"For life and death, you think."

"More than that, perhaps. I wonder what selling your soul meant in the old times?"

"I suppose," I said, "whatever else it meant, it meant acting dishonourably or treacherously for the sake of some personal gain."

"But some fellows have sold their souls who could never be persuaded to act either treacherously or dishonourably for the sake of any personal gain."

"I daresay," said I, not seeing nor caring what he was driving at.

"Now, Bob, if I were the devil, and if I wanted to get you to sell me your soul, I know what I should do."