“’But I know nothing about hardware.’
“’Tut, my boy; you know about figures.’
“My head buzzed, and I could hardly sit still in my chair. But suddenly a little chill of doubt came upon me.
“’I must be frank with you,’ said I. ‘Mawson only gives me two hundred, but Mawson is safe. Now, really, I know so little about your company that—’
“’Ah, smart, smart!’ he cried, in a kind of ecstasy of delight. ‘You are the very man for us. You are not to be talked over, and quite right, too. Now, here’s a note for a hundred pounds, and if you think that we can do business you may just slip it into your pocket as an advance upon your salary.’
“’That is very handsome,’ said I. ‘When should I take over my new duties?’
“’Be in Birmingham to-morrow at one,’ said he. ‘I have a note in my pocket here whi
