Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/288

278 "'By selling me one that has lately come into your possession. It is a little black stick, about three inches in length, and covered with Chinese characters. I happened to hear quite by chance that you had one in your possession, and I have taken a journey of some thousands of miles to endeavour to purchase it from you.'

"I went across to the safe, unlocked it, and took out the little stick China Pete had given me. When I turned round I almost dropped it with surprise as I saw the look of eagerness that rose in my visitor's face. But he pulled himself together, and said as calmly as he had yet addressed me:

"'That is the very thing. If you will allow me to purchase it, it will complete my collection. What value do you place upon it.'

"'I have no sort of notion of its worth,' I answered, putting it down on the table and looking at it. Then in a flash a thought came into my brain, and I was about to speak when he addressed me again.

"'Of course my reason for wishing to purchase it is rather a hare-brained one, but if you care to let me have it I will give you fifty pounds for it with pleasure.'

"'Not enough, Dr. Nikola!' I said with a smile.

"He jumped as if he were shot, and then clasped his hands tight on the arm of his chair. My random bolt had gone straight to the heart of the bull's-eye. This man, then, was Dr. Nikola—the extraordinary individual against whom China Pete had warned me. I was determined now that, come what might, he should not have the stick.

"'Do you not consider the offer I make you a good one then, Mr. Wetherell?' he said.

"'I'm sorry to say I don't think the stick is for sale,' I answered. 'It was left to me by a man in return for