Mohammed Mohmoud said, "It was made in Pilsen."
Johnny looked up at him. "Czechoslovakia, eh?"
The other said, "So were most of their rifles."
Hélène Desage snorted in deprecation. "So, we'll drag in that old wheeze. The red menace. Blame it on la Russie."
Johnny McCord said mildly, "We haven't blamed anything on the Russkies, Miss Desage. The Tuareg have a right to bear arms, there are still dangerous animals in the Mali Federation. And they are free to purchase Czech weapons if they find them better or cheaper than western ones. Don't find an exciting story where there is none. Things are tranquil here."
Hélène Desage stared at him. So did Mohammed Mohmoud and Derek Mason for that matter.
Only Pierre Marimbert realized Johnny McCord's position, and he chuckled and went for more beer.
V
Johnny McCord was a man who didn't like to be thrown out of routine. He resented the interference with his schedule of the past few days. By nature he was methodical, not given to inspiration.