My offer is fair and square.

I'll give a reward of ten thousand dollars if Miss Merrick is discovered within twenty-four hours; nine thousand if she's found during the next twenty-four hours; and so on, deducting a thousand for each day of delay.

That's for the officer who finds her.

For yourself, sir, I intend to express my gratitude as liberally as the service will allow me to.

Is this all clear and above-board ?" "It is perfectly clear, Mr.Merrick." "The child must be found--and found blamed quick, too! Great Caesar! Can a simple affair like this baffle your splendid metropolitan force ?" "Not for long, Mr.Merrick, believe me." But this assurance proved optimistic.