The League of Frightened Men

1. / undertake to remove from the league all apprehension and expectation of injury from (a) Paul Chapin. (b) The person or persons who sent the metrical typewritten warnings. (c) The person or persons responsible for the deaths of Wm. R. Harrison and Eugene Dreyer, and for the disappearance of Andrew Hibbard.

2. Decision as to the satisfactory performance of the undertaking shall be made by a majority vote of the members of the league, n r. ^, ry ^

3. The expenses of the undertaking shall be borne by me, and in the event of my failure to perform it satisfactorily the league shall be under no obligation to pay them, nor any other obligation.

4. Upon decision that the undertaking has been satisfactorily performed, the members of the league will pay me, each the amount set after his name on the attached list; provided, that the members will be severally and jointly responsible for the payment of the total amount.

"I believe that covers it. Of course, should you wish to make it terminable after a stated period -"

Nicholas Cabot cut in, "It's preposterous. I won't even discuss it."

Julius Adier said with a smile, "I think we should thank Mr. Wolfe's secretary for adding it up and saving us the shock.

Fifty-six thousand, nine hundred and fifteen dollars. Well!" His brows went up and stayed up. Kommers, who had spent at 3 least ten bucks coming from Philadelphia, made his maiden speech, ‹I don't know much about your abilities, Mr. Wolfe, but I've learned something new about nerve." Others began to join in the chorus; they were just going to crowd us right in the ditch. ^ Wolfe waited, and in about a minute put up his hand, palm out, which was a pretty violent gesture for him. "Please, gentlemen. There is really no ground for controversy. It is a'simple matter: I offer to sell you something for a stated price on delivery. If you think the price exorbitant you are under no compulsion to buy.

However, I may observe in that connection that on Saturday Miss Evelyn Hibbard offered to pay me ten thousand dollars for the service proposed. There is no single item on that list as high as ten thousand dollars; and Miss Hibbard is not herself in jeopardy."

George Pratt said, "Yeah, and you turned her down so you could soak us.