is to hand, and in reply we beg to say we shall be
glad to arrange an interview. One of our directors will be in town on
Monday next, and can see you between one and two o'clock at Weaver's
Hotel. Be good enough to treat this and all further communications as
strictly confidential.--We are, Sir, yours faithfully,--

"The Select Agency Corporation.

"P.S.--Ask at Weaver's Hotel for Mr Medlock.

"Liverpool."

The welcome contents of this short note fairly staggered him. If the
tone of the advertisement had been encouraging, that of this letter was
positively convincing. It was concise, business-like, grammatical and
courteous. Since his trouble Reginald had never been addressed by any
one in the terms of respect conveyed in this communication.
Furthermore, the appointment being between one and two--the dinner-
hour--he would be able to keep it without difficulty or observation,
particularly as Weaver's Hotel was not a stone's throw from the _Rocket_
office. Then again, the fact of his letter being from a "corporation"
gratified and encouraged him. A Select Agency Corporation was not the
sort of company to do things meanly or inconsiderately. They were
doubtless a select body of men themselves, and they required the
services of select servants; and it was perfectly reasonable that in an
affair like this, which _might_ lead to nothing, strict mutual
confidence should be observed. Supposing in the end he should see
reason to decline to connect himself with the Corporation (Reginald
liked to think this possible, though he felt sure it was not probable),
why, if he had said much about it previously, it _might_ be to the
prejudice of the Corporation! Finally, he thought the name "Medlock"
agreeable, and was generally highly gratified with the letter, and
wished devoutly Monday would come round quickly.

The one drawback to his satisfaction was that he was still as far as
ever from knowing in what direction his respectable and intelligent
services were likely to be required. Monday came at last. When he went
up on the Saturday to receive his wages he had fully expected to learn
Mr Durfy's intentions with regard to him, and was duly surprised when
that gentleman actually handed him his money without a word, and with
the faintest suspicion of a smile.

"He's got a nailer on you, old man, and no mistake," said Gedge,
dolefully. "I'd advise you to keep your eye open for a new berth, if
you get the chance; and, I