“Then I will trust you,” said Risk in his matter-of-fact voice. “I am going to give you a trial,” he went on, “and in the circumstances it is, I admit, a rather curious one. You have, of course, the option of refusing, but if you accept, kindly let it be done on the understanding that you will obey my instructions implicitly. Please understand, also, that the fact of your coming from a place called Dunford, while it forms an odd coincidence, and may be a help, has nothing to do with my choosing you for this particular piece of work. I would have asked you to perform it just the same had you come from the Isle of Man. Well, now”—he paused for a moment—“I have a letter here which I wish to be delivered first thing in the morning to Mr. Alexander Symington, White Farm, Dunford—” Colin checked words at his very lips. “A train leaves King’s Cross at 5.45, and though it does not usually stop at Dunford, I have arranged that it shall do so for you shortly after 1 a.m. I hope you may be able to find some sort of shelter until 6, when you will deliver the letter. You will bring back an answer by the first train possible and report to me here. By the way, you are, perhaps, acquainted with Mr. Symington?” “Very slightly.” “Like him?” Colin smiled faintly. “Can’t say I do.” “He is quite unknown to me,” the other proceeded. “I am curious to know, however, just how he looks when he reads this letter, and you must try to manage that for me. Here is the letter. There is no need for me to make a mystery of it—a simple business question.” 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.” Risk nodded as much as to say: “That’s the right spirit,” and laid a couple of bank-notes on the table. “For your expenses,” he said, and added a few instructions. “Mr. West shall be advised that you are leaving town, so you don’t need to trouble about your engagement with him. I’ll look for you to-morrow evening.” Realizing that the interview was at an end, Colin rose. “I’ll do my best, Mr. Risk.” “I expect that of you, Mr. Hayward,” said the other, ringing the bell.