"I wanted to know a little more fully what was required of me before answering; but he did not say. He insisted, rather, on my answering his question FIRST.... To be perfectly frank I was not anxious to commit myself unreservedly without knowing ALL he expected of me, but it sounded cowardly ... so with a mental _reservation_ I finally said: 'You don't look like a man who would ask another to commit suicide. Go ahead! I've decided to take a chance.'... Colonel Z---- S---- looked me straight in the eye and said: 'We expect you to use the same tactics that are used against you. We can't be squeamish.... The interests at stake are too _sacred_ to allow personal considerations to affect your conduct.... You will be required to undertake a journey in the capacity of a guide.... How you make it will be left entirely to yourself ... _but we expect results_.... Every resource will be placed at your disposal, but if YOU get into _trouble_ you'll have to get yourself out without calling on us for help.... We _must not_ be known in the matter. And understand this--the assignment is dangerous from start to finish; no official help can be given you under ANY circumstances.'... To get a line on things I asked, casually, what my compensation would be.... He replied: 'You will be allowed a regular retainer fee, an allowance for daily expenses and a _bonus_ sufficiently attractive to make the undertaking worth while, as _you_ should know.' I thought a little while before asking, 'When do I start?'... 'There's another thing,' he said. 'I suppose you know we _retain_ one-third of your fee for the benefit of your family in the event of any trouble.'... I merely nodded and said, 'All right.'" In a moment a clerk brought in a check for 400, which Colonel Z---- S---- gave me, saying: 'This is your first month's allowance for expenses; your retainer will be paid quarterly.'... 'How do you KNOW I won't swindle you?' I asked, being a perfect _stranger_ to him. 'I am taking my ORDERS from above,' he answered.... '_Who?_' I asked. 'Young man!' he thundered, 'learn this QUICK--don't ask questions; keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth SHUT.... _Be here_ at 10 tomorrow.' 5. The next entry of interest read as follows: