How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Maltese Falcon.
Quote #1
SPADE: How much money have you got?
BRIGID: I've got about $500 left.
SPADE: Give it to me.
Spade is a business man, not a charity. He needs money to make this case worth his time and effort, and he has no qualms about taking all Brigid's money and telling her to pawn her furs and jewelry if she needs more dough.
Quote #2
CAIRO: You see, if you know more than I do, then I shall profit by your knowledge. So will you, to the extent of $5,000.
This is a lot of money in the 1940s, so Spade knows that even though he just retrieving a little bird statue, it's probably going to be big trouble. But with that kind of money, it's worth it.