A light ring sounded at the door.
Pointer glanced at his watch.
“That's him. Now, then, Daru, see that you play your part well.”
The man nodded eagerly. The three took their places inside the room which opened out of the one they had been in.
“But why aren't they in here? And the papers—the papers, where are they? Quick!”
“I have them,” the head clerk answered calmly. He was acting most convincingly. “I have the papers, monsieur, but I think we should have a little further understanding before I hand them over. I think you should raise the price you promised if all went well. All has gone well. What do you suggest?”
Mr. Beale looked at him a moment in silence.
“Not one cent more will I pay. You don't know whom you're talking to. I'm not a man to browbeat. Our terms were generous and you accepted them. I don't say that we won't add an extra something if the papers are what we think, but that will be after they are in our hands, not before. And now, no nonsense, my man; I'm armed.”
“Here are the papers, then,” the clerk said sulkily.
Mr. Beale snatched them from him, then he spun around on his heel.