“Well, what then?” asked Douglas quickly.
“Only that I may be of help.”
“Indeed?”
“Oui, Messieurs,” calmly. “I know—much.”
“Good,” Thornton’s tone betrayed his satisfaction. “Go ahead and tell us.”
“Ah, non, non, Monsieur,” Annette shook her head violently. “First, I must have some monie.”
“What, a bribe?” Douglas spoke with rising indignation.
“Non, Monsieur; a reward.”
“You must first tell us what you know,” explained Thornton patiently. “Then, if your information leads to the arrest and conviction of the murderer, you will be paid the one thousand dollars offered by Mrs. Winthrop.”
“One thousand dollars, did you say, Monsieur? Non, I will not sell my news for that.”