"I've been turning my think-tank on to the Hudson Bay Transport flotation. You certainly had some inside information on that deal. Why did it shut up with a snap, I ask myself. Who banged the lid down?"
Martin's effort to pump information was very transparent, but his infectious good humour made it impossible to take offence.
Rivière was a keen judge of men, and he felt instinctive confidence in the honesty of the whimsical little journalist. One could trust this man. There was nobody within hearing along the corridor of the railway carriage. Accordingly he answered:
"If you'll keep the information strictly to yourself until I want publication, I'll tell you."
Martin sobered instantly. "Mr Rivière," said he, "you can trust me absolutely. I play square."
"So I judge.... You ask me who banged the lid down. I did."
"Phew! You must have landed Larssen a hefty one on the solar plexus."
"The matter is not finally settled yet. It's just possible that I might need the platform you offered me. Then I'll talk further."
"Exclusive?" asked Martin, with the journalist part of him on top.
"I can't promise that. It depends."