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 special one. In such a little undertaking to employ several clerks would be to risk immediate extinction."

He laughed and agreed:

"Yes, yes, I suppose. Well, time won't grow heavy on my hands."

He asked:

"But how much of the day shall I be occupied?"

"Oh, from nine in the morning—that's not late, is it?—to seven in the evening—that won't be too early, I suppose? Of course sometimes when there's a rush you might stay a little longer or come in on a Sunday. Of course you're free, aren't you?"

"How much do you think to pay me?"

"Would one pound sixteen a month be enough?"

He reflected and laughed:

"Rather little."

"Well, I can't go any higher than two guineas."

"Very well."

In a sudden burst of rage he put his hand in his pocket, took out the key of his room, and called out calmly but most decidedly:

"Hands up!"

"Ah," cried the young lady, and hurriedly put up her arms.