"Our friend has this person Tokalji's number," I explained. "He told us about him. He had heard about the treasure and the house."
"Then we must be right," cried Hugh.
"You're right enough," agreed Nikka, while Wasso Mikali returned to his place by the door and rolled a cigarette. "It seems, also, that this Tokalji is a particular enemy of my uncle. He was suggesting a little exterminating expedition."
"That's the last move to try," answered Hugh quickly. "We've got to be very careful. The authorities were rather puzzled to account for my continued interest in the city, at first. As it is—"
He turned brick-red to his hair.
"As it is," I grinned, "your pursuit of Bet has material advantages."
"Curse you, Jack," he retorted disagreeably, "that's not the way to put it. And anyhow, I'm not responsible for what damnfool officials think."
"You are in luck," said Nikka with a smile.
Hugh stood up, hot and exasperated.
"I didn't come here to be spoofed by a couple of idiotic rotters," he snapped. "When you find your senses, send for me."