The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1025: Chapter 68: Partner of ”The British” _2

However, at this moment, Eld Carter suddenly appeared. Although this young author had no fame among French readers, French publishers, who closely followed the developments of the British literary scene, were well aware that Mr. Carter was the chosen heir of Scott before his death.

It was like someone dying of thirst in the desert suddenly discovering an oasis, or someone starving about to sit at the king’s table.

In order to secure the right to publish Eld Carter’s masterpieces, the Paris publishing world had already become fiercely competitive behind Arthur’s back. Everyone was inquiring about Mr. Eld Carter’s address, eagerly preparing to personally go to London to negotiate publishing matters with Mr. Carter.

But when they arrived in London, they were repeatedly turned away by the ”British” and coldly informed that Mr. Carter was currently overseas. During his absence, all book publication rights had been entirely transferred to Mr. Carter’s close friend, Mr. Arthur Hastings.

As for who Arthur Hastings was?

He was a significant figure, the Assistant Police Director of the Greater London Police Department, and also a member of the British Publishing Censorship Committee.

The policemen’s identity alone was enough to scare the publishers, but the issue of publishing censorship was even more intimidating.

The ”British” had pushed Arthur to the forefront, and the Parisian publishers did not dare to employ their usual persistence and relentless tactics.

Unexpectedly, in just a year’s time, Arthur Hastings had resigned in London, and those with well-informed sources learned that the gentleman was currently in Paris.

Thus, Mr. Gasoline naturally went all out, using the ’run fast’ skill learned from dining with journalists, and rushed to Arthur’s side with great enthusiasm.

Mr. Gasoline warmly addressed Arthur, saying: ”Sir, I think there’s no need for us to waste our words. I’ve read the original version of ’Robin Hood,’ it has a rich literary flavor, and it’s absolutely perfect for us. If you agree, we’ll immediately organize a team for translation, and within a week we’ll have the manuscript ready for the printing house.

Here’s a contract I prepared in advance, the terms are based on the best conditions currently offered in the Paris publishing industry, and we will not break any of the details. For ordinary authors, our promissory notes typically range from nine months to a year, but we have great confidence in Mr. Carter’s capability, so we’re offering a six-month promissory note this time, with easy discounting and we bear all the interest.

Of course, to better distribute in Paris, we reserve the right to change the book title. Although ’Robin Hood’ is a good title, we feel it’s somewhat short and doesn’t sufficiently pique the curiosity of readers. French readers aren’t as familiar with Robin Hood as British readers are, and there are plenty of medieval archers and outlaws. They don’t know where Sherwood Forest is; you need to directly tell them it’s in Nottingham, this is a story from the period of Richard the Lionheart.

If we don’t do this, in the future when I promote it inland, I’ll practically have to give those ignorant folks a lesson in British history.”

Arthur glanced peculiarly at the contract in hand.

A 12,000 franc six-month promissory note, with interest directly reaching 3%, far exceeding the public bonds of Britain and France.

Gasoline actually didn’t play any tricks on the contract, and the publishing conditions didn’t even seem like they were for an ordinary author, rather they seemed reserved for a renowned writer.

Is Eld truly worth that much?

Heine’s ’On Romanticism’ and its contract with the ”British” was only 8,000 francs, yet a French version of Eld’s book was priced at 1.5 times that by Gasoline.

Money doesn’t lie.

For a moment, Arthur didn’t know whether to marvel at the strength of Dumas or Eld’s sheer luck.

If Arthur were dealing with his own copyright, he could let himself go, but... these 12,000 francs... a full 600 pounds...

He couldn’t block Eld from making a fortune!

Eld might not earn that much money even on a circumnavigation with the Royal Navy.

The most important thing is, Gasoline was introduced by Hugo, who had just published the bestseller ’Notre-Dame de Paris’ last year, so in the short term he wouldn’t face financial issues, and there’s no need to worry about this guy suddenly going bankrupt. Hence, there’s a high probability that this six-month promissory note could be fully cashable...

Arthur wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and feigned nonchalance as he began: ”Mr. Gasoline, as a fellow in the publishing industry, I can plainly see your sincerity. However...”

”However?” Gasoline’s smile froze: ”Do you have any objections to the terms of the contract? That’s not a problem; we can negotiate slowly. I guarantee, there won’t be a publisher in all of Paris easier to talk to than me. If you’re worried about my financial capacity, take a look at Mr. Henry Dracett beside me; he’s also one of my partners. The DelaSalle Bank should have some reputation in London, right?”

Henry Dracett, with silvered temples, had a businessman’s amiable demeanor. The old banker glanced at Arthur, smiling warmly: ”Sir, I also have business ties with Rothschild. When the time comes, Gasoline’s promissory note will be issued from my side, and unless my business collapses, there’s no need for you to worry about discounting issues.”