“I can only repeat,” said Cleigh, “that you are all playing with dynamite.” 120
“Perhaps. Most of these boys fought in the war; they played the game; but when they returned nobody had any use for them. I caught them on the rebound, when they were a bit desperate. We formed a company—but of that more anon. Will you be my guest, or will you be my prisoner?”
The velvet fell away from Cunningham’s voice.
“Have I any choice? I’ll accept the condition because I must. But I’ve warned you. I suppose I’d better ask at once what the ransom is.”
“Ransom? Not a copper cent! You can make Singapore in two days from the Catwick.”
“And for helping me into Singapore I’m to agree not to hand such men as you leave me over to the British authorities?”
“All wrong! The men who will help you into Singapore or take you to Manila will be as innocent as newborn babes. Wouldn’t believe it, would you, but I’m one of those efficiency sharks. Nothing left to chance; all cut and dried; pluperfect. Cleigh, I never break my word. I honestly intended turning over those beads to you, but Morrissy muddled the play.”
“Next door to murder.”
“Near enough, but he’ll pull out.”
“Are you going to take Miss Norman along?”