t was a busy morning<br >miracles， I answered i!<br >I got a phone call. Since I believe in<br >"Albert Samson<br > "Samson，" said a very loud voice， a lady s voice. "Here<br >it is. What I wanted to know was your rates. How much<br >you charge for investigating on a case."<br > "That depends on what sort of case and who I am<br >working for."<br > "My name is Mrs. Jerome." She emphasized the<br >"Mrs." so that she would be sure to qualify for my married<br >lady s discount. "And I don t，appreclate being fenced<br >with. You must have a basic :working rate you figure<br >from." <br > "Thirty-five dollars per eight-hour day plus expenses."<br > "I see，" she said. "And the eight-hour day， how do you<br >count that? Is it what you actually spend working? Or do<br >you include the time you take getting to and from places?<br >And does it include payment for a lunch hour?"<br > With or without burp? "I never take an hour for lunch，<br >Mrs. Jerome."<br > "No need to be flippant. And references? Do you have<br >references?"<br > "Should I agree to take your case and you require<br >them， I can provide references." I write them myself.<br > "I see. Thank you， Mr. Samson. I have twelve more<br >agencies to call， and when I have gotten their particulars， I<br >shall make my decision."<br > "I just hope it s not a matter of life and death， Mrs.<br >Jerome."<br > For the first time she hesitated. My right ear<br >appreciated the rest. Then she said， "In one sense it is a<br ><br >