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92

THE WRONG BOX


3. I have lost the leather business and the rest of my uncle's succession.

3. But not if Pitman gives the body up to the police.

'Oh, but in that case I go to jail; I had forgot that,' thought Morris. 'Indeed, I don't know that I had better dwell on that hypothesis at all; it's all very well to talk of facing the worst; but in a case of this kind, a man's first duty is to his own nerve. Is there any answer to No. 3? Is there any possible good side to such a beastly bungle? There must be, of course, or where would be the use of this double-entry business? And—by George, I have it!' he exclaimed; 'it's exactly the same as the last!' And he hastily re-wrote the passage:

Bad.

3. I have lost the leather business and the rest of my uncle's succession.

Good.

3. But not if I can find a physician who will stick at nothing.

'This venal doctor seems quite a desideratum,' he reflected. 'I want him first to give me a certificate that my uncle is dead, so that I may get the leather business; and then that he's alive—but here we are again at the incompatible interests!' And he returned to his tabulation.

Bad.

4. I have almost no money.

Good.

4. But there is plenty in the bank.

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