“In the matter of the reward,” he said, “we’re of the opinion that you’ve offered too little by half. Twenty thousand at the least—”
“You forget I have the duty to pay.”
“My dear lady, if you had not been anxious to evade payment of the duty you would be enjoying the ownership of your necklace today.”
As he spoke the telephone-bell rang. Staff turned away to his desk, Ismay’s voice pursuing him with the caution.
“Don’t forget about that open drawer—keep your hands away from it.”
“Oh, be quiet,” returned Staff contemptuously. Standing with his back to them, he took up the instrument and lifted off the receiver.
“Hello?” he said irritably.
He was glad that his face was not visible to his guests; he could restrain a start of surprise, but was afraid his expression would have betrayed him when he recognised the voice at the other end of the line as Iff’s.
“Don’t repeat my name,” it said quickly in a tone low but clear. “That is Iff. Ismay still there?”
“Yes,” said Staff instantly: “it’s I, Harry. How are you?”