Narrator: Two rich brothers, Roderick and Oliver, have made a bet. Oliver believes that with a million-pound bank note a man could live a month in London. His brother Roderick doubts it. They see a poor young man walking outside their house. It is Henry Adams. Roderick: Young man, would you step inside a moment, please? Henry: Who? Me, sir? Roderick: Yes, you. Servant: (opening a door) Good morning, sir. Would you please come in? (Henry enters the house.) Roderick: How do you do, Mr ... er ...? Henry: Adams. Henry Adams. Oliver: Come and sit down, Mr Adams. Henry: Thank you. Roderick: You're an American? Henry: That's right, from San Francisco. Roderick: May we ask what you're doing in this country and what your plans are? Henry: Well, I can't say that I have any plans. As a matter of fact, I landed in Britain by accident. Oliver: How is that possible? Henry: Well, I had my own boat. About a month ago, I was sailing, and towards night I found myself carried out to sea by a strong wind. The next morning I was spotted by a ship. Oliver: And it was the ship that brought you to England. Henry: Yes. I went to the American consulate to seek help, but ... Anyway, I didn't dare to try again. (The brothers smile at each other.) Roderick: Well, you mustn't worry about that. It's an advantage. Henry: I'm afraid I don't quite follow you, sir. Roderick: Tell us, what sort of work did you do in America? Henry: I worked for a mining company. Could you offer me work here? Roderick: Patience. If you don't mind, may I ask you how much money you have? Henry: Well, to be honest, I have none. Oliver: (happily) What luck! Brother, what luck! Henry: Well, it may seem lucky to you but not to me! If this is your idea of some kind of joke, I don't think it's very funny. Now if you'll excuse me, I ought to be on my way. Roderick: Please don't go. You mustn't think we don't care about you. Oliver, give him the letter. Oliver: Yes, I was about to go get the letter. Wait! (getting it from a desk and giving it to Henry) The letter. Henry: (taking it carefully) For me? Roderick: For you. (Henry starts to open it.) Oh, no, you'd better not open it. You can't open it until two o'clock. Henry: Oh, this is silly. Roderick: Not silly. There's money in it. Henry: Oh, no. I don't want your charity. I just want a job that earns an honest income. Roderick: We know you're hard-working. That's why we've given you the letter. (to the servant) Show Mr Adams out. Henry: Well, why don't you explain what this is all about? Roderick: You'll soon know. In exactly an hour and a half. Servant: This way, sir. Roderick: Not until 2 o'clock. Promise? Henry: Promise. Goodbye.