He proposed the following terms, as the only
terms on which he would consent to mix himself up with, what was (even
in HIS line of business) a doubtful and dangerous transaction.
Mr. Luker would consent to lend Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite the sum of two
thousand pounds, on condition that the Moonstone was to be deposited
with him as a pledge. If, at the expiration of one year from that date,
Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite paid three thousand pounds to Mr. Luker, he was to
receive back the Diamond, as a pledge redeemed. If he failed to produce
the money at the expiration of the year, the pledge (otherwise the
Moonstone) was to be considered as forfeited to Mr. Luker--who would,
in this latter case, generously make Mr. Godfrey a present of certain
promissory notes of his (relating to former dealings) which were then in
the money-lender's possession.
It is needless to say, that Mr. Godfrey indignantly refused to listen to
these monstrous terms. Mr. Luker thereupon, handed him back the Diamond,
and wished him good night.
Your cousin went to the door, and came back again. How was he to be
sure that the conversation of that evening would be kept strictly secret
between his friend and himself?
Mr.
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