"And now let me tell you what business has brought me here.

In the first place, if you do not already know it, I may say that the Company I represent is an exceedingly wealthy one, and, as our business lies a long way from Threadneedle Street, if I may so put it, it is necessary for us to trust very largely to the honesty of our _employes_ on the other side of the world.

Of course we make all sorts of inquiries about them prior to engaging their services, and it is also needless to say that we keep a sharp eye on them when they have entered our employ.

Nevertheless, it is quite possible, all precautions notwithstanding, for an unscrupulous man to take advantage of us.

As a matter of fact, that is what has happened, and what has also brought me to you.