And that was the letter I received while seated comfortably on the floor of my work-room, surrounded by innocent isopods, all patiently awaiting scientific investigation. And this is what I did: Within twenty-four hours I had assembled the supplies required--the cage, the woman's clothing, tank, arms and ammunition, and the chemicals; I had secured accommodations, for that evening, on the Florida, Volusia, and Fort Lauderdale Railway as far as Citron City; and I had been interviewing stenographers all day long, the result of an innocently worded advertisement in the daily newspapers. It was now very close to the time when I must summon a cab and drive to the ferry; and yet I was still shy one stenographer. I had seen scores; they simply would not listen to the proposition. "Why does a gentleman in the backwoods of Florida want a stenographer?" they demanded; and as I had not the faintest idea, I could only say so. I think the majority interviewed concluded I had escaped from a State institution. As the time for departure approached I became desperate, urging and beseeching applicants to accompany me; but neither sympathy for my instant need nor desire for salary moved them. I waited until the last moment, hoping against hope. Then, with a groan of despair, I seized luggage and raincoat, made for the door and flung it open, only to find myself face to face with an attractive young girl, apparently on the point of pressing the electric button. "I'm sorry," I said, "but I have a train to catch." She was noticeably attractive in her storm-coat and pretty hat, and I really was sorry--so sorry that I added: "I have about twenty-seven seconds to place at your service before I go." "Twenty will be sufficient," she replied, pleasantly. "I saw your advertisement for a stenographer--" "We require a man," I interposed, hastily. "Have you engaged him?" "N-no." We looked at each other. "You wouldn't accept, anyway," I began. "How do you know?" "You wouldn't leave town, would you?" "Yes, if you required it." "What? Go to Florida?" "Y-yes--if I must." "But think of the alligators! Think of the snakes--big, bitey snakes!" "Gracious!" she exclaimed, eyes growing bigger. "Indians, too!--unreconciled, sulky Seminoles! Fevers! Mud-puddles! Spiders! And only fifty dollars a week--" "I--I'll go," she stammered. "Go?" I repeated, grimly; "then you've exactly two and three-quarter seconds left for preparations." Instinctively she raised her little gloved hand and patted her hair. "I'm ready," she said, unsteadily. "One extra second to make your will," I added, stunned by her self-possession. "I--I have nothing to leave--nobody to leave it to," she said, smiling; "I am ready." I took that extra second myself for a lightning course in reflection upon effects and consequences. "It's silly, it's probably murder," I said, "but you're engaged! Now we must run for it!"