The letter was typed on a large sheet bearing the heading “The Zenith Gold Mining Company, Limited,” and ran as follows—
“Dear Sir,—
“We have your letter of yesterday’s date covering the Certificate (Bearer) for 500 shares, Nos. 23501 to 24600, which you desire to have converted into five certificates for 100 shares each. This is having our attention. Meantime, will you kindly inform us at what date, as nearly as possible, you purchased the shares numbered as above.”
It was signed by the Secretary of the Company.
Colin handed it back, remarking: “It seems a simple enough matter, Mr. Risk.”
“I hope so. Now, are you prepared to go through with it?”
“Certainly.”
“Good! You are not likely to encounter your friends at so early an hour.”
“It doesn’t matter if I do. I’m not under a very black cloud, you know.”
“Still, you are not keen on the job.”
“I’m keen on carrying it through.”