that drawer," ordered Nicholas, "and bring me a pocket-book you
will find there."

Mechanically the man did as he was bidden. Nicholas took the book.

"Now then," he said opening it, "how much will put you right?"

The man stared.

"I--oh, sir."

"How much will put you right?" demanded Nicholas.

"A pound, sir. The month's rent is due to-morrow."

Nicholas raised his eyebrows.

"Humph. Not much to stand between you and--hell. I've no doubt you did
consider it hell. We each have our own interpretation of that cheerful
abode."

He turned the papers carefully.

"Now look here," he said suddenly, "there's five pounds. It's for
yourselves, mind. No more indiscriminate bestowal of charity, you
understand. You begin your charity at home. Do you follow me?"

The man took the money in a dazed fashion. He was more than half
bewildered at the sudden turn in events.

"I'll repay you faithfully, sir. I'll----"

"Damn you," broke in Nicholas softly, "who talked about repayment? Can't
I make a present as well as you, if I like? Besides I owe you something
for this ten minutes. They have been interesting. I don't get too many
excitements. That'll do. I don't want any thanks. Be off with you. Better
go by the window. There might be a need of explanations if you tried a
more conventional mode of exit now. That'll do, that'll do. Go, man."

Two minutes later Nicholas was looking again towards the curtains behind
which Job Grantley had vanished.

"Now, was I the greater fool?" he said aloud. There was an odd, mocking
expression in his eyes.

* * * * *

Ten minutes later he pressed the electric button attached to the arm of
his chair. His eyes were on his watch which he held in his hand. As the
library door opened, he replaced it in his pocket.

"Right to the second," he laughed. "Ah, Jessop."

The man who entered was about fifty years of age, or thereabouts,
grey-haired, clean-shaven. His face was cast in the rigid lines peculiar
to his calling. Possibly they relaxed when with his own kind, but one
could not feel certain of the fact.

"Ah, Jessop, do you know Job Grantley by sight?"

For one brief second Jessop stared, amazement fallen upon him. Then the
mask of impenetrability was on again.

"Job Grantley, yes, sir."

"What is he like?"

"Tallish man, sir; wears corduroys. Dark hair and eyes; looks straight at
you, sir."

"Hmm. Very good. Perhaps I wasn't a fool,"