[Illustration:  I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough.]

“As soon as the property is legally in my possession I am to deed it over to you?”

“Certainly; I represent the administrators, and the rightful heir.”

“That will involve forgery on my part.”

He waved his hand, as though brushing away an insect.

“Technically, yes; but under legal advice, my dear boy, and agreement of the officials interested in proper settlement of the estate.  There is no danger whatever.”

I was not assured as to this, and yet the man’s easy manner, and smooth speech, served to ease my conscience.

“And the ten thousand dollars?” I asked.

“A thousand will be handed you tonight; the remainder may be retained at the final settlement, together with the compensation of the woman.  You make your own terms with her; so you see you cannot lose.  Sign here.”

“I had forgotten the woman.  Is she necessary?”

“It will be better to have one, as they know down there young Henley was lately married.  Any good-looker, with an easy conscience, will do.  You could coach her on the train.”

“But I don’t know a young woman in town,” I admitted soberly, “except my landlady’s daughter, and she ’s the limit.”

Vail and Neale both laughed.

“You ’re slow, Craig,” the former said good-humoredly.  “I thought better of you than that.  However, you will have all day tomorrow.  Get on your new clothes, and look around.  There ’s plenty would jump at the chance.”

I shook my head.

“That’s altogether out of my line,” I averred.  “I ’d rather go alone.”

“Well, we ’ll not war over that.  You can leave your wife North if you wish.  I tell you what you do.  Think it over, and call me up by ’phone about three o’clock tomorrow—­here’s the number.  If you decide on taking a woman along I know one who will answer, and will have her at the train.”

“I am to leave then tomorrow night?”

“Yes, over the Eastern Illinois, at 8:10.”

There was a moment’s silence; then he rustled the paper on the table, and held out a fountain pen.

“Sign here.”

I was not hypnotized, or unduly controlled; my mind seemed clear, but I yielded without a word and wrote my name at the bottom of the sheet.  Vail blotted it carefully, folded the paper, and placed it in a drawer of the table.  Then he handed me two bills.

“There is a thousand dollars there, Craig, and I will send you a typewritten memoranda of instructions, covering all points in the game.  Where can I be sure of finding you at three o’clock tomorrow?”

“At 407 Green Street.”

“All right; as soon as you read those instructions call me up by ’phone, and let me know what you have done regarding a woman, and ask any questions you may desire.  That will be all now.  Neale, you might show Craig the way out.”