"You have a figure any woman might admire, mynheer. I have seen Koyala's eyes rest on you, and I know what she was thinking. You have but to speak and she is yours."
"Say you so, kapitein!" Muller cried ecstatically.
"Absolutely," Van Slyck assured. His eyes narrowed. The devilish humor incarnate in him could not resist the temptation to harrow this tortured soul. Watching Muller closely, he inquired:
"Then I can expect you to spread the net, mynheer?"
The light died in Muller's eyes. A slow, volcanic fury succeeded it. He breathed deeply and exhaled the breath in an explosive gasp. His hands clenched and the veins in his forehead became almost black. Van Slyck and he leaped to their feet simultaneously.
"Kapitein Van Slyck," he cried hoarsely, "you are a scoundrel! You would sell your own mother. Get out of my sight, or God help you, I will break you in two."
The door of the controlleur's dwelling opened. Muller leaped back, and Van Slyck's hand leaped to his holster.
"I am here, Kapitein Van Slyck," a clear, silvery voice announced coolly.