“You were in there?” he asked, jerking his head toward the building.
“Oh, yes.”
He looked me over as though trying to find signs of violence.
“My business in there,” I said, “was concluded very satisfactorily to all concerned.”
“Ah, yes.” His face wrinkled into a smile that reached his ears. “You did the wise thing, Lam, my boy. No one will make any trouble for you as long as you show a spirit of co-operation. I am very glad you saw things our way. We can use you.” He groped out for my hand again. I pretended not to see the gesture.
“Well,” I said, “I must be going.”
“I think now that we understand each other, we’ll get along much better,” Crumweather said. “Kindly remember that I want Miss Ashbury at my office tomorrow afternoon without fail.”
“Good-night,” I said, and stepped into the cab.
He was still standing on the curb, looking beamingly after me as I gave the cab driver Alta Ashbury’s address.