ree o'clock tomorrow?"

"At 407 Green Street."

"All right; as soon as you read those instructions call me up by
'phone, and let me know what you have done regarding a woman, and ask
any questions you may desire. That will be all now. Neale, you might
show Craig the way out."

He put out his arm, and we shook hands, although he did not arise from
the chair. It had all been accomplished so suddenly that I felt
confused, uncertain as to what I had best do. Only the feel of those
bills in my pocket seemed real, and made me fully aware that I was
pledged to the service. Neale stepped into the hall, and I followed
him. The entry way was in darkness, and the man went to the side door
without switching on the light.

"Is this Mr. Vail's house?" I questioned, and he drew the latch.

"Yes, and, by the way, it will be as well for you to go out cautiously,
and not be seen. We want to play safe, you know."

The door opened and closed, leaving me outside in the house shadow.

CHAPTER IV

AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST

It was then that the power of thought returned to me. However glibly
those two conspirators might gild over the affair it nevertheless was a
criminal matter to which I had blindly committed myself. Neale's
parting words of warning alone made that clearly evident. They
understood the risk of discovery, and now I also comprehended it with
equal clearness. Fraud and forgery were contemplated, had been coolly
planned, and it occurred to me that I was the one selected for
sacrifice in case of discovery. Vail and Neale were probably safe
enough, as it would be easy for them to deny any participation, but
they had me bound fast. However, I had no thought of withdrawal from
the contract, for, while I saw the danger involved, and realized the
illegality, yet I failed utterly to perceive any real evil. I did not
doubt the truth of all that had been told me, and was willing to assume
the risk. I fingered the crisp bills in my pocket, and the words "ten
thousand dollars" kept repeating themselves over and over. Of course I
would do it; I should be a fool not to. It would be "easy money," and
my earning it could harm no one.

Not a glimmer of light appeared from within the house I had just left,
and I drew my cap down over my eyes, and stared about, listening. The
hour could not be far from midnight, the night dark, the air heavy with
mist. Glancing out between the houses I caught a glimpse of asphalt