Luker inclined his head unimpressionably.
"So you have heard? That will save some explanations. Yes, it has become very necessary that she and Templar should be eliminated. That is why I sent for you this evening."
"Well, if you think we're going to take part in any damned murder plots, you're damned well mistaken," stated General Sangore hotly. "I never heard of such — such infernal impudence in my life!"
He glanced at his wife as if for approval. Lady Sangore's lips were tightly compressed; her eyes were glittering.
"That girl ought to be well whipped," she repeated.
Luker stroked his chin thoughtfully. His manner was mild and patient. He spoke in the calm and reasonable tone of a man who states facts that cannot be disputed.
"I fear that whipping would scarcely be sufficient," he remarked. "We are not playing schoolroom games. Let me remind you of the circumstances. All of you are aware, I believe, that the French patriots have planned a coup d'etat for tomorrow which if it is resisted may lead to a Fascist revolution."
His gaze passed questioningly over them and arrived last at Fairweather. Fairweather dithered.
"Yes… That is, I may have heard rumours of it. I know nothing about it officially."
"During this change of governments a number of people will quite definitely be killed," said Luker cold-bloodedly. "Would you call that a murder plot?"