Mr. Peet came back into the room.
"Why, no, I mean yes," replied Miss Webb, a blank expression in her eyes.
"Goodbye, Miss Webb," said Mr. Peet firmly.
Jaro grinned and winked at her. Miss Webb tottered out of the room.
As the door closed behind the girl, Albert Peet licked his lips, said: "Mr. Moynahan, I suppose my disappearance back at your room requires some explanation. But the fact is that Stanley brought an important bit of news." He paused.
Jaro said nothing.
"You might be interested to know that Miss Mikail is quite safe. Karfial Hodes has her, but Stanley assures me she will be quite safe." Again he paused. As Jaro remained silent, his neck mottled up pinkly.
"The fact is, Mr. Moynahan, that we won't need you after all. I realize that we've put you to considerable trouble and we're prepared to pay you whatever you believe your time is worth. Say five hundred Earth notes?"
"That's fair enough," replied Jaro.
Albert Peet sighed. "I have the check made out."