"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.
