Tholbin laughed.
“You wouldn’t have to scratch if you had a quarter of a million,” he said. “I suppose you are going to show me how I can get that much?”
There was irony in Tholbin’s tone. Parker Noyes looked squarely at the young man; then beyond him, to the bookcase. The double signal reappeared.
“Tholbin” — the lawyer’s voice was filled with conviction — “you have made an excellent guess. That is just what I propose to do. I am going to give you two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, in return for certain services which I know you are capable of giving me!”
Tholbin’s mouth opened wide. He could not believe what he had heard; yet the lawyer’s expression was one of absolute seriousness.
“Now listen carefully, Tholbin,” continued Noyes. “I am going to tell you exactly what I wish done. You are to go with the Waddells to Paris. Is that agreeable?”
“Of course,” replied Tholbin, still amazed.
“You will go under excellent conditions,” resumed the lawyer. “I shall advise Tobias Waddell to treat you as a real friend. He will follow my advice. I shall speak to him highly of your reputation.”
“Of my reputation?” echoed Tholbin.
“Of a fictitious reputation which I shall create,” said Noyes. “Waddell is impressed by wealth. I shall tell him that you possess it. He will believe me.”