I ACCEPT THE OFFER
I do not know how others might have looked upon such a proposition as
this, but it never occurred to me at the time to doubt the honesty of
Vail's statement, nor could I perceive any great wrong in the action so
calmly proposed. This was Philip Henley's property; his father
undoubtedly intended he should inherit it, and the poor devil was
utterly unable to comply with the terms of the will. The very fact
that he possessed sufficient pride to part with the inheritance rather
than openly reveal his disgrace, appealed strongly. That sort of
fellow must have a strain of manhood in him. If I could serve him,
save the property for him, at almost no danger to myself, and make a
tidy sum of money doing it, why shouldn't I consent? I saw no reason
for refusal. To be sure the method was not lawful, yet was advised by
a lawyer, and agreed to by the administrators. Besides, the keeping of
a few promiscuous charities out of such a gift did not seem especially
wrong--I knew nothing, cared nothing for their loss. They were but
names of no significance. Vail, watching the expression of my face in
the light, seemed to divine my thoughts.
"Evidently you are recovering your good sense," he remarked easily.
"There is no use acting like a fool in a matter of this kind. You are
lucky to fall into such a chance. You 'll act, I take it?"
"Yes," the word was out almost before I was aware of speaking.
"Sensible decision, my man," his face lighting up. "Now there is no
need of our meeting again, or being seen together. The more quiet we
can keep our plans, the better it will be for all concerned. Neale,
hand Craig your copy of the articles of administration, and of the
will."
I took these and read them over carefully, yet without fully
comprehending the legal phraseology. They were apparently genuine, and
I gathered from them that the facts were exactly as stated. Peter B.
Neale, of Birmingham, was named one of the administrators. The two men
watched me read, and when I laid the papers down Vail was ready with
others.
"Here is a small packet of letters from Judge Henley to his son," he
said, in a business-like way, "which you had better read, and so
familiarize yourself with local names, and conditions. I have also
drawn up, and had typed, a brief sketch of young Henley's life, which
will aid you in playing the part. You will need a new outfit of
clothes, I presume?"
"This is my best suit."
"I thought it probable. Now, if you will sign this paper, I will hand
you a liberal advance."
I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough. Of course they
would require some guarantee that my work would be performed. Yet
certain questions arose to my mind.
[Illustration: I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough.]
"As soon as the property is legally in my possession I am to deed it
over to you?"
"Certainly; I represent the administrators, and the rightful heir."
"That will involve forgery on my part."
He waved his hand, as though brushing away an insect.
"Technically, yes; but under legal advice, my dear boy, and agreement
of the officials interested in proper settlement of the estate. There
is no danger whatever."
I was not assured as to this, and yet the man's easy manner, and smooth
speech, served to ease my conscience.
"And the ten thousand dollars?" I asked.
"A thousand will be handed you tonight; the remainder may be retained
at the final settlement, together with the compensation of the woman.
You make your own terms with her; so you see you cannot lose. Sign
here."
"I had forgotten the woman. Is she necessary?"
"It will be better to have one, as they know down there young Henley
was lately married. Any good-looker, with an easy conscience, will do.
You could coach her on the train."
"But I don't know a young woman in town," I admitted soberly, "except
my landlady's daughter, and she 's the limit."
Vail and Neale both laughed.
"You 're slow, Craig," the former said good-humoredly. "I thought
better of you than that. However, you will have all day tomorrow. Get
on your new clothes, and look around. There 's plenty would jump at
the chance."
I shook my head.
"That's altogether out of my line," I averred. "I 'd rather go alone."
"Well, we 'll not war over that. You can leave your wife North if you
wish. I tell you what you do. Think it over, and call me up by 'phone
about three o'clock tomorrow--here's the number. If you decide on
taking a woman along I know one who will answer, and will have her at
the train."
"I am to leave then tomorrow night?"
"Yes, over the Eastern Illinois, at 8:10."
There was a moment's silence; then he rustled the paper on the table,
and held out a fountain pen.
"Sign here."
I was not hypnotized, or unduly controlled; my mind seemed clear, but I
yielded without a word and wrote my name at the bottom of the sheet.
Vail blotted it carefully, folded the paper, and placed it in a drawer
of the table. Then he handed me two bills.
"There is a thousand dollars there, Craig, and I will send you a
typewritten memoranda of instructions, covering all points in the game.
Where can I be sure of finding you at three o'clock tomorrow?"
"At 407 Green Street."
"All right; as soon as you read those instructions call me up by
'phone, and let me know what you have done regarding a woman, and ask
any questions you may desire. That will be all now. Neale, you might
show Craig the way out."
He put out his arm, and we shook hands, although he did not arise from
the chair. It had all been accomplished so suddenly that I felt
confused, uncertain as to what I had best do. Only the feel of those
bills in my pocket seemed real, and made me fully aware that I was
pledged to the service. Neale stepped into the hall, and I followed
him. The entry way was in darkness, and the man went to the side door
without switching on the light.
"Is this Mr. Vail's house?" I questioned, and he drew the latch.
"Yes, and, by the way, it will be as well for you to go out cautiously,
and not be seen. We want to play safe, you know."
The door opened and closed, leaving me outside in the house shadow.