"It depends upon what he calls a suitable amount. I am not a rich man. I can't afford to be unduly extravagant—even for an occasional luxury."
"Hugh!"
"William! I have something in my mind's eye which I should be willing to pay any man a fair price for doing. When he had done it I don't think he'd want to do anything more. You bet."
"Your humour sometimes lies so deep that, on this occasion, you must excuse me if I ask if you are joking."
Mr. Kennard did not directly reply. He studied the advertisement again.
"I think, by way of a preliminary, that I should like to make this gentleman's acquaintance."
"Seriously?"
"So seriously that I propose to write to him at once, making an appointment for to-morrow. If you are at my place to-morrow morning at eleven you will be able to see if he keeps it."
"If you take my advice you won't be such a fool."
"No? Are you afraid of blackmailing—or what? Go to! No one wants you. Stop away."
"I'll come; but you'll find he won't As Gerbert suggested, I expect the thing's a hoax."
"Yes? Probably in exchange for my letter I shall receive some valuable information about a novelty in soap."
