“He said he told you just how matters stand.” “So he did.” “I am taking chances by coming here, sir, even in disguise.” “There would have been no need of your coming, Mr. Pimlico, or whatever your name may be, if you had done what you had agreed to do,” Sir Edward said, quite sternly. “I have taken all of the steps agreed upon except one--the last step,” Pimlico said, with ominous significance, but with unruffled calmness. “I am in a position to take that final step at any moment. But you have not forgotten, of course, there is another side of the bargain.” “You mean----” “The payment of the amount agreed upon,” Pimlico put in firmly. “That will be paid when your work is completed, when I have positive proof that it is done.” “What assurance have I of that?” “My word of honor,” said Sir Edward, with a steadily deepening frown. “That ought to be sufficient under such circumstances.” “Could there be more desperate circumstances?” Pimlico calmly inquired. “Bear in mind that you are a stranger to me, that I have taken the word of another for what I already have done, and to the effect that you are a responsible person and will make good. That is hardly enough, however, in view of the nature of the work and the risks involved. Before the final step is taken, ending the whole business, I must see the color of your money.” Sir Edward shifted uneasily in his chair and eyed his visitor more darkly. Pimlico’s voice had a firmness that did not please him. He feared that he might find it impossible to move him, to prevail upon him to take that final step so essential to his knavish treachery. He feared that his designs might miscarry at this last moment. It was these fears that impelled him to go further than he otherwise would have gone--to the extent of confiding in his hireling. He drew himself up, as if he suddenly came to that determination, saying with much less asperity: “You mean, then, that you insist upon being paid in advance, Mr. Pimlico.” “That is what I mean,” bowed Pimlico, deliberately stroking his gray beard. “But I cannot comply with that demand.” “Cannot, sir, or will not?” Pimlico pointedly questioned. “Cannot,” Sir Edward said earnestly. “I would pay you on the spot, my friend, if it were possible for me to do so.” “That’s the point. How do I know that it ever will be possible?” “I can convince you of that.” “In what way?” “First tell me--if convinced of my integrity and ability to pay you later, will you complete the work you thus far have done so ably?” “I will consider it, at least, and very possibly do it,” said Pimlico, after a moment. Sir Edward drew nearer the table and rested his arms on it. Gazing intently across it at his hearer, he said, with augmented feeling, but with voice somewhat lowered: “I will tell you just where I stand and why I have done this, something I directed Gammon not to confide to you.” “Nor did he,” said Pimlico simply.