Suddenly I came to my senses. I closed the library door and locked it. I glanced nervously at the shades to make sure all were pulled down.
"Great Scott, man, you shouldn't carry all that money around with you in a brief case!" As I said it, I spoke with the realization that the man was mad.
"I brought the money to you," Keeshwar said. "It is yours if you will do one thing for me."
"I must ask you to leave and to take your money with you," I said, realizing that I was turning down the ransom of a king. "No honest task ever called for a million dollars compensation—"
"But you have not asked me what I wish you to do!" Keeshwar exploded. "Look! Do you see how much money a million dollars is?"
I do not wish to pose as a man over-stocked with principles. A million dollars is more money than I ever hope to see again at one time. But I had a good income, a nice little fortune tucked away in worth while investments. I had a good name and my position in the world was better than average. I did not trust this man. I had a feeling that the million dollars he offered would not be worth the price.
"I am a surgeon," I said. "If you wish my professional services, I will charge you a reasonable fee."
"I want your services," Keeshwar said. "I want them for one day."
"You may have them. I will send you a bill after I complete the task."
"I want your services tomorrow," said Keeshwar, persistently.