"In plain language, their proposition is: heads we win tails you lose," said Hugh.
"Yes, supposing you permit them to take the lead from your hands," agreed Nikka. "However, I am reminded of a memorable address I was once privileged to listen to as a soldier of the Legion. A general named Foch read us a citation, and then told us how to go on winning more. 'I have noticed,' he said, 'that it is the soldier who attacks who wins battles. The initiative is the price of victory. Never permit your foe to assume the initiative. Attack! Always attack!'"
"True," assented Hugh. "And we've been able to stall their gang so far by taking the initiative."
"But if we can't?" inquired King. "Optimism is all right, but—"
"Optimism is all we've got," interrupted Nikka. "We have our backs to the wall. This is the time to fight, if fighting will get us anywhere."
"If it will!" echoed Hugh.
"That's what we have to decide," said Nikka. "You can't work out a problem like this in the street."
We walked the remainder of the distance to the hotel at a breakneck gait. As we entered the lobby one of the clerks came from the office and accosted Hugh.
"Your messenger would not wait, milord," he said. "Mees King had not returned. Indeed, she has not yet returned."
"My messenger?" repeated Hugh, with a startled look at us.