condensed master

Will Bonner
Will pulled himself together and commenced to enthuse. There was no need
for acting now, the various pieces were superb. The Goanese spoke to the others
in Hindu and then turned to Will. "You know what the penalty is for keeping these
weapons?"
"Yes I do, but my friend didn't say anything and neither will I. Next time,
when I'm in Bombay, I may want to buy one of those scimitars or Khyber Pass
rifles."
"We only bring selected people here. You are known on the ship, and our
friend recognized you yesterday, so we consider it safe."
Will looked at this man and felt a twinge of regret, knowing at best that he
would probably find himself in jail, but Blyth had indicated that the Goanese was
a calculating and dangerous man, without any scruples, instrumental in the deaths
of quite a few people. Will's attitude hardened again, he had achieved what he had
come for, and had no difficulty selecting one of the many ceremonial daggers on
display.
It was about 12" in overall length with a slightly curved blade, in a soft leather
scabbard, the hilt and point of which was strengthened with fashioned metal,
covered with Indian gold. The scabbard, as well as the curved polished blade, was
adorned with ceremonial etchings. The crosspiece was a pair of Indian cobra's,
and the top of the handle a cast eagle's head, also in Indian gold. It was a
marvellous piece of craftsmanship.
The haggling over the price was far shorter than usual, and five hundred and
fifty rupees was agreed. Will reached into his pocket for his wallet. Releasing the
loop around his neck, and pulling out the wallet still attached to the cord, brought
loud laughter from the two Hindu heavies, and for just a brief moment everything
was cordial.
His purchase was wrapped and placed in a cardboard shoe box, and as Will
moved towards the door, one of the Hindu's stepped into his path. Will's blood
pressure started to rise as the Hindu spoke to the Goanese who replied, and the
Hindu then stepped aside.
"What was that all about?"
"He told me to remind you what would happen if you told anybody." Will
nodded, and this confirmed in his mind that the two Hindu's were indeed muscle
men, and the Goanese the agent.
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