The salesman examined the Barclay's Bank draft with elaborate care. Richard Blade crossed one long leg over the other and clasped both tanned hands around the raised knee as he waited.

Finally the salesman raised his head and smiled. «All in order, Mr. Blade. Now, if you'll just sign here-«as he shoved a small stack of papers toward Blade. Blade bent forward, his chair creaking as he shifted his two hundred and ten pounds of bone and muscle, and drew out a pen.

He had to sign his name twelve different times on eight different sheets of paper before he'd finished. It occurred to him that if anyone ever wanted copies of his signature for purposes legitimate or otherwise, all they'd have to do was examine the files of Hollis Brothers Automobile Sales and Services Limited, London.

«Very good, Mr. Blade. The model you wish will run you about a hundred and seventy pounds less than the sum of this draft. We will have the delivery driver give you a check for the balance.»

Blade shook his head. «I would advise against that. You say the model I want isn't in stock at the moment?»

The salesman shook his head. «No, sir, it isn't. I expect it will be about three weeks before we have one in.»

«That's what I thought,» said Blade. «Unfortunately, I'll be leaving the country for an indefinite period within the next couple of days. Family business in America-it seems they've got it into their heads that I'm the Indispensable Man. I haven't the remotest notion when I'll be back. I think the wisest thing to do would be to garage the car here until I return and apply the balance to the garage fees. Can you do that?»

«Oh, yes, by all means, sir. It will be quite easy.» The salesman opened the drawer of his desk and rummaged through it, then pulled out still another form. «If you'll just sign this, here and here-«