The Million Pound Bank Note/Chapter IV

Chapter IV
"They are gone." This in the lofty, cold way of that fellow's tribe. "Gone? Gone where?" "On a journey." "But whereabouts?" "To the Continent, I think." "The Continent?" "Yes, sir." "Which way - by what route?" "I can't say, sir." "When will they be back?" "In a month, they said." "A month! Oh, this is awful! Give me some sort of idea of how to get a word to them. It's of the last importance." "I can't, indeed. I've no idea where they've gone, sir." "Then I must see some member of the family." "Family's away, too; been abroad months - in Egypt and India, I think." "Man, there's been an immense mistake made. They'll be back before night. Will you tell them I've been here, and that I will keep coming till it's all made right, and they needn't be afraid?" "I'll tell them, if they come back, but I am not expecting them. They said you would be here in an hour to make inquiries, but I must tell you it's all right, they'll be here on time and expect you." So I had to give it up and go away. What a riddle it all was! I was like to lose my mind. They would be here "on time." What could that mean? Oh, the letter would explain, maybe. I had forgotten the letter; I got it out and read it. This is what it said: "You are an intelligent and honest man, as one may see by your face. We conceive you to be poor and a stranger. Enclosed you will find a sum of money. It is lent to you for thirty days, without interest. Report at this house at the end of that time. I have a bet on you. If I win it you shall have any situation that is in my gift - any, that is, that you shall be able to prove yourself familiar with and competent to fill." No signature, no address, no date. Well, here was a coil to be in! You are posted on what had preceded all this, but I was not. It was just a deep, dark puzzle to me. I hadn't the least idea what the game was, nor whether harm was meant me or a kindness. I went into a park, and sat down to try to think it out, and to consider what I had best do.