etically, "there
is this little matter of Bland & Company's order. I have brought the
reports with me."

Mr. Weatherley felt his feet upon the ground again. He turned to
the papers which his clerk laid before him and gave them his close
attention. When Arnold would have left the room, however, he signed
impatiently to him to remain. As soon as he had given his
instructions, and Mr. Jarvis had left the room, he turned once more
to Arnold.

"Chetwode," he said, looking at him critically, "you appear to me to
be a young man of athletic build."

Arnold was quite speechless.

"I mean that you could hold your own in a tussle, eh? You look
strong enough to knock any one down who attempted to take liberties
with you."

Arnold smiled.

"I dare say I might manage that, sir," he admitted.

"Very well--very well, then," Mr. Weatherley repeated. "Have your
desk moved in here at once, Chetwode. You can have it placed just
where you like. You'll get the light from that window if you have
the easy-chair moved and put in the corner there against the wall.
Understand that from now on you are my private secretary, and you do
not leave this room, whoever may come in to see me, except by my
special instructions. You understand that, eh?"

"Perfectly, sir."

"Your business is to protect me, in case of anything happening--of
any disagreeable visitors, or anything of that sort," Mr. Weatherley
declared. "This affair of Mr. Rosario has made me nervous. There is
a very dangerous gang of people about who try to get money from rich
men, and, if they don't succeed, use violence. I have already come
into contact with something of the sort myself. Your salary--what
do you get at present?"

"Twenty-eight shillings a week, sir."

"Double it," Mr. Weatherley ordered promptly. "Three pounds a week I
will make it. For three pounds a week I may rely upon your constant
and zealous service?"

"You may rely absolutely on that," Arnold replied, not quite sure
whether he was on his head or his feet.

"Very well, then, go and tell some of the porters to bring in your
desk. Have it brought in this very moment. Understand, if you
please, that it is my wish not to be left alone under any
circumstances--that is quite clear, isn't it?--not under any
circumstances! I have heard some most disquieting stories about
black-mailers and that sort of people."

"I don't think you need fear anything of the sort here," Arnold
assured him.

"I trust not,"