"I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in business dreary experience exceptionally so During two years three consultations and one small job, is absolutely all that my profession has brought me My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s Every day, from nine morning until four afternoon, I waited in my little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and that never have any practice at all

"Yesterday, however, just as thinking of leaving the office, my clerk entered gentleman waiting who wished me upon business He brought up card, too, name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it Close at his heels came the colonel himself, man rather over the middle size, but of an exceeding thinness that ever seen so thin man His whole face sharpened away into nose and chin, skin cheeks was drawn quite tense over his outstanding bones Yet this emaciation seemed his natural habit, and due to no disease, eye was bright, his step brisk, bearing assured plainly but neatly dressed, age, judge, nearer forty than thirty

"' Mr Hatherley ? ' said he, with something of German accent ' recommended , Mr Hatherley, as being man only proficient profession but is also discreet and capable of preserving secret '

"I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an address 'May I ask who who so good character ? '

"'Well, perhaps better that I tell you that just moment it same source that both an orphan and bachelor residing alone in London '

"' quite correct,' I answered; 'but excuse me if that I how all this bears upon my professional qualifications I understand on professional matter that you wished ? '

"'Undoubtedly so But that all is really point professional commission , but absolute secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and expect that more from man alone than from one who lives bosom family '

"'If I promise secret,' said I, ' absolutely depend upon my '

"He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed that I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye

"' promise, then ? ' said he at last

"'Yes, I promise '

"'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after ? No reference matter at all, either in word or writing ? '

"' already given you my word '

"' ' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning across the room he flung open the door The passage outside was empty

"'That's all right,' said he, coming back ' the clerks are sometimes curious as master's affairs Now talk in safety ' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to stare at me again same questioning and thoughtful look

"A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun to rise within me strange antics fleshless man Even my dread of losing client restrain me from showing my impatience

"'I beg that state your business, sir,' said I; ' is of value ' Heaven forgive me last sentence, but the words came to my lips

"'How would fifty guineas for night's work suit you ? ' he asked

"'Most admirably '

"' night's work, but an hour's nearer the mark I simply want your opinion about hydraulic stamping machine got out of gear show us wrong soon set it right ourselves What commission ? '

"'The work appears light pay munificent '

"'Precisely so want you to-night last train '

"'Where to ? '

"'To Eyford, in Berkshire little place near the borders of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading train from Paddington which would bring you there at about 11:15 '

"' '

"' come down in carriage to meet you '

"' drive, then ? '

"'Yes, our little place is quite out country good seven miles from Eyford Station '

"'Then hardly get there before midnight I suppose there no chance of train back compelled to stop the night '

"'Yes, easily shake-down '

"' very awkward Could I not come at some more convenient hour ? '

"' judged it best that come late to recompense you for any inconvenience that paying , young and unknown man, fee which would buy an opinion very heads of your profession Still, , like to draw business, plenty '

" fifty guineas, and of how very useful 'Not at all,' said I, ' very happy to accommodate myself to your wishes like, however, to understand little more clearly what it you wish me '

"'Quite so very natural pledge of secrecy which exacted from aroused your curiosity no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all laid I suppose that absolutely safe from eavesdroppers ? '

"'Entirely '

"'Then the matter stands thus probably aware that fuller's-earth is valuable product, and only found in places in England ? '

"' heard so '

"'Some little time ago I bought small place--a place--within ten miles of Reading fortunate enough to discover that deposit of fuller's-earth in one fields On examining it, however, deposit was comparatively small one, it formed link between two larger ones right and left--both , however, grounds neighbours These good people were absolutely ignorant that their land contained that quite as valuable as gold-mine Naturally, to my interest their land discovered its true value, but unfortunately I had no capital few friends secret, however, suggested that quietly and secretly work our own little deposit earn the money which would enable us the neighbouring fields This now been doing for , and to operations we erected hydraulic press This press, as already explained, has got out of order, and your advice We guard our secret very jealously, however, and once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, facts came out, it good-bye to any chance of getting these fields and carrying out our plans why you promise me that tell human being that going to Eyford to-night I make it all plain ? '

"'I quite follow you,' said I 'The only point which quite understand was what use make of hydraulic press in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out like gravel from pit '

"'Ah ! ' said he carelessly, ' our own process We compress the earth into bricks, so remove them without revealing what But mere detail taken you fully into my confidence now, Mr Hatherley, and shown you how I trust you ' He rose as he spoke ' expect you, then, at Eyford at 11:15 '

"' certainly be there '