"It is my way, Captain. I take a thing or leave it."
"That's what I like, Doctor; a quick, decisive mind."
That seemed to please him.
"Very well. To be of use to us, you will need a lot of technical coaching. Are you ready to start tomorrow?"
"Now, Captain."
"Very good," he said, "but to-morrow will do. Be here at ten A. M. Then give us daily as much of your time as we require."
He called in one of his secretaries, gave him command briefly and in a few minutes the man was back with an order for three hundred marks.
"This, Doctor, is your first month's living expenses. Retaining fees are paid quarterly."
As I pocketed the check I remarked:
"Captain, personally we are total strangers. How is it that you seem so satisfied with me?"