“Would you rather put it off for a few days?” I asked.

“Oh, it isn't about that. At least — — ” He fumbled with a series of beginnings. “Why, I thought — why, look here, old sport, you don't make much money, do you?”

“Not very much.”

This seemed to reassure him and he continued more confidently.

“I thought you didn't, if you'll pardon my — you see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of sideline, you understand. And I thought that if you don't make very much — You're selling bonds, aren't you, old sport?”

“Trying to.”

“Well, this would interest you. It wouldn't take up much of your time and you might pick up a nice bit of money. It happens to be a rather confidential sort of thing.”