ound his neck, he
stretched forth a handful of bills.

"Go and get yourself a good meal. It is now morning. When two more
mornings have passed come again. Don't be afraid to use the money for
anything that you desire. This does not mean that I expect you to accept
the offer, but it will allow you to think it over carefully--without
thinking of your _stomach_. Buy clothes, a room to sleep in, anything
else that you want. Be comfortable and do not worry about what you
spend. If you refuse my terms, I will be disappointed, but will not
expect to be repaid."

* * * * *

As Dick reached the street he shook his head. It all seemed so
fantastic. But the money in his hand was real money--and there was a lot
of it! Suddenly he realized that people were staring at the handful of
bills, and he hurriedly stuffed them in a pocket. When he was alone for
a moment he stepped into a vacant doorway to count it.

There were 14 twenties, 10 fifties, and three ten dollar bills in the
lot. Twenty-seven bills in all, representing eight hundred and ten
dollars. Folding the money carefully and placing it in a safe pocket, he
noticed a sign across the street. "SHOES," it said. He glanced at his
own, then limped slowly across when the traffic lights changed. For a
moment he looked in the window, then stepped inside.

While the shoe clerk was busy he carefully slipped a twenty from the
other bills. It would seem strange if he had too much money with his
feet in such shape.

The next stop was a restaurant. Then followed a trip to a clothing
store--and he left his old suit behind. With new clothes, shoes, and a
meal beneath his belt, he began to think the offer of the stranger was
far from fantastic. What if he did have to marry a strange girl? At
least they would both have comfort and companionship, wherever they
went.

Barrow's first appointment was on Tuesday morning, and Friday found him
climbing the same stairs. He watched the papers but there had been no
repetition of the advertisement. Evidently the strange man had all the
applicants he wanted.

The outer office was empty, but when he opened the inner door, the queer
man was smiling just as Dick remembered him.

"Come in, Mr. Barrow. I'm glad to see you. I was surprised to hear of
your use of the money, but was pleased rather than disappointed. You did
well."

For a moment Dick was taken back, then he smiled sheepishly. "I don't
know just what to s