Owen was silent for a moment. "Why do you hate the little ensign, as you call another?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that we can be of service to one another, in all likelihood, and that, therefore, we should be frank friends. You wish to have Pauline Marvin out of the way, do you not?"
"How did you find that out?"
"People engaged in similar business find out many things. Now I—"
"Wish to be rid of Ensign Summers."
"Precisely."
"You are an international agent?"
"Yes. And I offer you my aid and the aid of the powerful men I control in return for your aid to me and them. Is it a bargain?"
They were seated on one of the curtained divans, a low-turned light above them. She leaned forward. Her long, delicate hand touched his. A splendid jewel at her throat heightened the magic of her beauty.