The whole thing seemed so preposterous as to be scarcely worth consideration, and yet, try how I would to put it out of my mind, I found myself thinking of it continually.

The recollection of the blind man's face and that of his dumb companion haunted me awake and asleep.

More than once I determined to have nothing to do with them, only later to change my mind, and vow that I would see the matter through at any cost to myself.
Next morning, however, saner counsels prevailed.

An exceedingly remunerative offer was made me by a prominent Trust Company, which, at any other time I should have had no hesitation in immediately accepting.

Fate, however, which is generally more responsible for these matters than most folk imagine, had still a card to play upon Messrs.
Kitwater and Codd's behalf, and it was destined to overthrow all my scruples, and what was more to ultimately revolutionize the conduct of my whole life..