The man gaped, shut his mouth, and gaped again.

“Do you fully understand me?” asked Belmanoir calmly.

“Er⁠—er⁠—yes, your Grace!”

“Repeat what I have said, then.”

Harper stumbled through it and mopped his brow unhappily.

“Very well. In addition, I pay you twice as much as Mr. Beauleigh gives you, and, at the end, if you serve me well⁠—fifty guineas. Are you satisfied?”

Harper brightened considerably.

“Yes, your Grace! Thank you, sir!”

Tracy laid twenty guineas before him.