What do you think of such a commission as that ?' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'Precisely so.

We shall want you to come to-night by the last train.' "'Where to ?' "'To Eyford, in Berkshire.

It is a little place near the borders of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading.

There is a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about 11:15.' "'Very good.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'There is a drive, then ?' "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country.

It is a good seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight.