The million pound banknote

When I had been famous for about ten days I went to do my duty to my country. That is to say, I visited the American ambassador. He received me with enthusiasm, but complained that I had been slow in coming to him. He said that there was only one way to get his forgiveness. One of his guests for his dinner-party that night had been taken ill, and I should take the vacant place. I said I would, and we started talking. It turned out that he and my father had been friends while boys at school. Later they were students together at Yale university, and had always been warm friends until my father's death.

So then he required me to visit him at his house any time I was free, and of course I was very happy to do this. In fact, I was more than willing; I was glad. When the crash came, he might somehow be able to save me from total destruction. I didn't know how, but I hoped that he might think of a way. I didn't dare to tell him everyting, because it had all become so complicated. I did wish that I might have been able to come to him before I started this strange life in London.

No, I couldn't tell him now. I was in too deep. That is, too deep to tell my new friend about the bet. However, I did not think things were completely out of control. Because you see, even though I was borrowing money, I was being very careful - that is, I was not spending more than my salary. Of course, I couldn't know what my salary was going to be. However I had a good enough idea. If I won the bet I could choose any job which that rich old gentleman could give me. Of course I would have to be good at the job, but I would be - I hadn't any doubt about that.