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10 want a man who, while possessing some common sense, is willing to be instructed by me to do things in my way—fallow ground to work on, as it were—and I gather that by now you have sown and reaped the majority of your wild oats."

"I think I have," I laughed. "And I will certainly do my very best to meet your requirements—if you are so good as to give me a chance." And yet, Laurence, as I said it the curious glitter in the man's eyes, an undefinable something in his manner, gave me the idea that he was not exactly "straight." Still, I could do nothing; it would have been sheer madness to refuse.

"I'm going abroad in a couple of days," he said; "I and my daughter. Could you join me here to-morrow? Oh! and as to salary. I can offer you a hundred a year, and pay all your expenses—reasonable expenses, that is," and as he smiled his eyes contracted and the thousand tiny wrinkles got deeper, and many others quite unsuspected suddenly appeared.

"I can be here at any time you wish, Mr. Featherson," was my answer. "I have only to pack a couple of bags."

"Very well, then; to-morrow for lunch at