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"'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time

is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the

words came to my lips.

"'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked.

"'Most admirably.'

"'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I

simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which

has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon

set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as

that?'

"'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.'

"'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last

train.'

"'Where to?'

"'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders

of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a

train from Paddington which would bring you there at about

11:15.'

"'Very good.'

"'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.'

"'There is a drive, then?'