"I am he," said Boris. "I must apologize for—for the unconventionality of this meeting-place. But secrecy is urgent. I—I cannot afford to be connected with this business in any way."
"Is that so?" said the American politely.
"I have your word, have I not, that no details of this transaction will be made public? That is one of the conditions of—sale."
The American nodded.
"That has already been agreed upon," he said indifferently. "Now, perhaps, you will produce the goods."
"You have the money—in notes?"
"Yes," replied the other.
He did not, however, make any attempt to produce it. After a moment's hesitation, Krassnine gestured towards the small parcel on the table.
The American took it up and unrolled the wrapping paper. The contents he took over to a small electric lamp and submitted them to a very thorough examination. Satisfied, he drew from his pocket a thick leather wallet and extracted from it a wad of notes. These he handed to the Russian, who counted them carefully.
"All right?"