Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-10-10
By HENRY SETON MERRIMAN
Author of The SowcrS," @Rodens Corner. T -- One Generation to Another" Etc. ---

A curious smile passed across Jack Meredith's face. Without turning his head he glanced sideways into Dur novo's face through the gloom. But he said nothing, and 1t was Oscard who broke the silence by saying simply:
 'The same may possibly apply to me"
 There was little pause, during which he lighted his pipe.
 It did not seem to occur to any oS them that the only person whose indi- viduality was still yelled happened to be Jack Meredith. He alone had said nothing. He it was who spoke first. after a proper period of silence.
 'sIt seems to me-" he said, "that we have all the technicalities arranged now. So far as the working of the ex- pedition is concerned we know our places, and the difficulties will be met as they present themselves. But there ls one thing which think we should set in order now. Ihavc been thinking about 1t while have been waiting here alone."
 The glow of Victor Durnovo's cigar died away as if in his attention he was forgetting to smoke; but he said nothing.
 ''It seems to me-" Jack went on, 'sthat before we leave here we should draw up and sign sort of deed of partnership. Of course we trust each other perfectly there is no question of that. But life is an uncertain thing, as some earlier philosopher said before me; and one never knows what may happen. have drawn up paper in triplicate. If you have match l will read 1t to you"
 Oscard produced a match and, strik- Ing it on his boot, sheltered 1t with the hollow of bis hand while Jack read:
 we, the undersigned, hereby enter into partnership to search for and sell to our mutual profit the herb known as simiacine, the profits tO be divided into three equal portions, after the de duction of one-hundredth part, to be handed to the servant, Joseph Atkin- son. Any further expenses that may be incurred to be borne in he same proportion as the original Hpense of fitting out the expedition -osmely, two flfths to be paid by Guy srsvener Os- card, two-fifths by John Meredith, ons- fifth by Victor Durnovo.
 '@The vm sf f50 per Oonth to be paid to Victor Durnovo. Shere- with he may pay the thirty pecial men taken from his estate and bead quarters it Msala to cultivate the simiacine, and such corn and vegeta' bles as may be required tor the gus tenance of the expedition; nese men to act as porters until the plateau be reached.
 ''The opinion of two of the three leaders against one to be accepted internationally in all questions where controversy may arise. In case of death each of us undertakes hereby to hand over to the executor of tho dead partner or partners such moneys as shall belong to him or them."
 At this ju acturc there was little pause while Guy Oscard lighted a sec. ond match.
 And" continued Jack, i've hereby undertake severally on oath to hold the secret of the whereabouts of the simiacine a strict secret, which secre' may not be revealed by any one of us to whomsocver it may . without thc sanction. in writing. of he other two partnersl
 There" concluded Jack Meredi4 'T am rather pleased with that us . production. It Is forcible and .sA . void of violence. l feel that U nr q commerce of the century has lost ar ornament. Moreover. am ready tc swear to the terms of the agreement
 There was q little pause. Guy 0s card took his pipe from his mouth. and while he knocked the ashes out against the leg of his chair he mumbled, q swear to hold to that agreement"
 Victor Durnovo took of his hat witl a sweep and flourish, and. raising his barred brow to the stars. he said: ''l swear to hold to that agreement. If fail, may God strike me Gead"