“How long will it take?”

“It may require a fortnight; it may take six months.”

“By that time you would know whether there was anything in it?”

“Assuredly.”

“Then you may proceed.  Advise me when you are ready to talk and I’ll come in again.”

“There is one other matter,” added Levy.  “In case the affair develops, it may be fairly expensive.”

Covington looked at him curiously.  “I presume so,” he said.  “Before we get into it too far, I shall insist upon some understanding.  I am not your debtor yet, am I?”

“The investigation will entail some expense and time,” Levy continued, thoughtfully.  “You might pay me—­say, five thousand as a retainer.”

“This is a business proposition, Mr. Levy,” Covington reminded him, sharply.  “Thus far I have looked upon myself as a possible plaintiff in the affair—­not as a defendant.  I am not obliged to proceed in the matter, and will drop it right here if you propose to start in by trying extortion on me.”

Levy was grieved that any one should so misconstrue his motives.  “This isn’t a childish play we’re going into, Mr. Covington,” he replied, mildly.  “Gorham is big game, and I presume you expect to gain something out of this little affair.”

“You presume too much,” Covington said, shortly.  “Comments are neither asked for nor desired.  If you wish to do this work for me, I will pay you a fair price—­yes, a high price—­for your services, but no blood-money.  I’ll pay you a thousand dollars now as a retainer; I’ll pay all reasonable expenses and four thousand dollars more in case you find anything of interest to me.  Then, if I decide to use the information later, I’ll make a trade with you at that time on the basis of what it is worth.  Do you care to accept the case on these terms?”

“The conditions are most unusual,” Levy wavered.

“The case itself is an unusual one,” Covington replied.  “The chances are a hundred to one that you find nothing, in which case you will have earned your fee easily.  Beyond this the odds are at least as great that I shall make no use of what you find out, anyway, which means that I shall have paid a large price to gratify my whim.”

“There is something in what you say,” admitted Levy.

“Then you will undertake it on my terms?”

“Yes; give me your check for a thousand dollars and I’ll start the ball rolling.”

“My check?” queried Covington.  “I have no doubt currency will be equally acceptable.”

“Thank you very much,” Levy replied, genially, placing the bills carefully within a capacious wallet against the happy hour of five o’clock in Mulligan’s conveniently located saloon.

XIV