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270 "The work would take less, but the risk is life-long."

"You don't trust me?" she exclaimed, looking at me with a hard, evil expression.

"Well, we were strangers till half an hour ago," I replied.

"And if I increased the figure how would you propose to act?"

"Ah! I should have to first make the young gentleman's acquaintance and diagnose his case," I said with a smile.

But she remained silent. She evidently did not intend to put down any sum in advance. By Jove, old chap! I was desperate at that moment, fighting against bankruptcy day after day. Still, as you know, I never believe in tracking small game. So I affected complete indifference.

"I'll increase it by another thousand," the old woman croaked at last.

"Two thousand paid down now," I insisted.

"If you wish," was her answer with some reluctance. "But this is blackmail!"

"To-morrow will do. But my figure is two thousand down for silence and assistance. I will meet you anywhere by appointment. The bank-notes in this house are not altogether to my liking. I'm perfectly candid," I laughed.