The Death Whistle Author:Richard Marsh General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1903 Original Publisher: Newnes Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select f... more »rom more than a million books for free. Excerpt: CHAPTER IV. THE FIRST CHEQUE. The following day was Sunday. It rained unceasingly. For that reason and others -- some of them connected with the condition of his wardrobe -- he remained indoors, considering. On Monday the sun shone. When he had finished breakfast Mrs Ludlow appeared in person to clear the table, and to receive his orders for the day. Then she lingered, having evidently something on her mind. Presently it appeared that she was not quite so trustful as he had supposed. Possibly an inspection of his luggage had not inspired her with confidence. " I am sure that you will understand, Mr Smithers " -- he had given the name of Smithers on his arrival, and so had taken at least a preliminary step -- " that no offence is intended, but might I ask if you're in business ?" " In business ? -- I'm afraid not." " Are you -- are you looking for a situation ?" " I wasn't thinking of doing so, just at present." " Because, sir, you're a perfect stranger to me, and -- and " " You'd like your rent in advance ? " " Perhaps you would give me a reference." " I'd sooner pay you; it will save us both trouble." " I hope that no offence will be taken where none is meant; but the truth is, money is an object to me just now, and I dare not take any risks." " Money is an object to most of us, and only foolish people do take unnecessary risks. I assure you, Mrs Ludlow, I am not in the least offended, and am quite willing to pay you weekly in advance." He gave her two sovereigns; his own. When she had gone he turned the change she had given him over and over in his hand. " Tha...« less