[Gutenberg 39417] • A Gamble with Life

Well, of all the hare-brained proposals I ever listened to, this takes the bun"; and Felix Muller adjusted his pince-nez and lay back in his chair and laughed softly. "But why hare-brained?" asked his companion, seriously. "Singular, I admit it may be; startling if you like, but I do not see that there is anything in it to laugh at." "You don't?" and the lawyer's face became suddenly grave. "Do you realise what your proposal implies?" "I think I do," and Rufus Sterne's face flushed slightly; "but you are thinking of a contingency that will never arise." "Perhaps I am; but every contingency must be guarded against," and Felix Muller took off his glasses and wiped them meditatively. "You say you are confident of success, and I am bound to admit, from what I know of you and your scheme, I think your confidence is well founded. But you know as well as I do, that nothing is certain in this world but death." "Well?" "You may fail. Something may happen you cannot foresee." "I grant it, as a remote-an exceedingly remote-possibility. But in such an event you will be covered by my life assurance policy.