The deal which I have to
propose to you concerns a sum of half a million sterling, and that is
not to be passed by lightly. I suggest, therefore, that at least you
read the documents I have brought with me, and that we leave the matter
of honesty to be discussed by the lawyers."
He laid upon the table a bundle of papers as he spoke, and lighted a
cigarette by lightly rubbing a match against the tip of the fourth
finger of his left hand. Ambrose felt strangely uneasy. A most uncanny
suspicion had come upon him while the man was speaking. He felt that no
ordinary human being faced him, and that he might in very truth be
talking with the devil. Nor would this idea quit him despite its
apparent absurdity.
"You must have great influence, Count," he remarked presently--"great
influence to get such a valuable commission as this!"
The Count was flattered.
"I have servants in every country," he said; "the rich are always my
friends--the poor often come to me because they are not rich. Few who
know me can do without me; indeed, I may say that but for such men as I
am the world would not go on.
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