"If you don't care to work with me, I can find plenty of clever fellows in London who'll jump at the business." "And you want me to begin work-- ?" "Immediately." "And how am I to pay forty pounds in three months out of a pound a week ?" "Never mind the bill," said Mr.Sheldon, with lofty generosity.

"If you work heart and soul for me, I'll square that little matter for you; I'll get it renewed for another three months." "In that case I'm your man.

I don't mind a little hard work just now, and I can live upon a pound a week where another man would starve.

So now for my instructions." There was a brief pause, during which the lawyer refreshed himself by walking up and down his office two or three times with his hands in his pockets.

After which relief he seated himself before his desk, took out a sheet of foolscap, and selected a pen from the inkstand.
"It's just as well to put things in a thoroughly business-like manner," he said presently.