I have already given you my word.
Very good. He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning across
the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was empty.
That s all right, said he, coming back. I know that clerks are
sometimes curious as to their master s affairs. Now we can talk in
safety. He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to stare at
me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look.
A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun to
rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Even my
dread of losing a client could not restrain me from showing my
impatience.
I beg that you will state your business, sir, said I; my time is of
value. Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the words came to
my lips.
How would fifty guineas for a night s work suit you? he asked.
Most admirably.
I say a night s work, but an hour s would be nearer the mark. I
simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which has
got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon set it
right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as that?
The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.
Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last train.
Where to?
To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders of
Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a train from
Paddington which would bring you there at about 11:15.
Very good.
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