There was a short silence. Then Northcote got up from his chair and, walking across the room, locked the door. I watched him with interest.
He seated himself again at the table, and lit a cigarette.
"Mr. Burton," he said, "what value do you put upon your life? I mean, for what sum would you be prepared to run a very considerable risk of losing it?"
He asked the question in such a business-like and unemotional manner that I could not repress a smile.
"I don't know," I said. "If I thought it was really valuable, I should be strongly inclined to put it up to auction."
He learned across the table and looked me full in the eyes.
"If you will do what I want," he said slowly, "I will give you ten thousand pounds."
CHAPTER III
I am fairly used to surprises, but there was a magnificence about this unexpected offer that for a moment took away my breath. I leaned back and surveyed my double with genuine admiration.