perfect, and, indeed, the whole chest was untouched and without blemish,
shining with that clean lustre which only wax and constant elbow-grease
can bring about.

When I had examined the piece as carefully as I dared, I winked at Jill
and descended into the hall.

Mr. Holly was awaiting us.

Casually I addressed him.

"There's a tallboy at the top of the stairs, labelled 207. I'm not crazy
about it, but it's about the right size for a recess in my bedroom. If
you like to buy that for me on a five per cent. basis----"

"Certainly, Major." He wrote in a fat notebook. "Lot 207. An' ow' 'igh
will you go?"

I hesitated.

"I'll go up to a hundred pounds. But the cheaper you get it, the better
for you. Understand?"

"I'm there, Major. Will you be coming back?"

"No. But there's my card. You can telegraph to that address this
evening, and I'll send you a cheque."

"Very good, sir."