"I have a knowledge of values," said the other, impassively. "I wish to get my commission both ways. I expect it from you, because you get the job from no one else. I expect it from my employers, because you are practically the only tool at present, which they can use. I am perfectly open with you."
"As open as the Pit!" snarled Landon. "As candid as midnight! Let's have a taste of it plainly. What is it you want of me—robbery?"
Miller made a gesture of deprecation.
"I want you to—borrow—unknown to your cousin, certain books, the nature of which will be indicated to you in detail."
"And if I don't?"
"You must, at any rate, try."
"And if I won't?"
Miller smiled.
"We don't discuss absurdities."
There was nothing manifestly menacing in this, but there was a sense of finality. It reached Landon like a shaft of cold air blown in through the suddenly opened door. Mentally he flinched from it; he lifted his shoulders into a shrug of resignation.