to Dirk Willumhoog, for the valuable secret he shall impart concerning an unknown entrance into the city, the sum of fifty thousand florins.” Scratch, scratch went the pen, and coming to this point, Valdez exclaimed: “There now I will sign my name!”
“Not quite yet!” said Dirk quietly. “There is something else!”—“And if I do not succeed in so persuading His Majesty, I stand ready to reimburse said Dirk Willumhoog for the amount remaining above what he shall have already received, out of my own private funds and estates.”
“Never!” shouted Valdez, springing to his feet and clanking around the room. “Dost thou take me for a natural-born fool, thou sneaking rascal!”
“The loss will be all your worship’s,” responded Dirk unmoved, “as the glory would also be, could you but take the city by surprise. I am not asking for glory. I do not wish my part in it to become generally
