"You've heard from the woman lately!"
"Not lately."
"I've a doubt about that woman. She's been seen a good bit with the American. I've had them watched. Nothing would surprise me less than to hear she'd given us away."
"That's hardly likely, Cassis, since she believes it is Barraclough they've got hold of."
"Women are very tricky. I don't trust 'em! Suppose they've made it uncomfortable for Frencham Altar, what? Well it was only to be expected."
The callous practicality of tone fired Cranbourne to answer:
"Expected, yes. But one of these days if there's any justice knocking about this old world of ours we shall have to pay."
"Five thousand was the price," retorted Cassis.
It is probable there might have been a row had not Mr. Torrington intervened with the suggestion that Frencham Altar's cheque should be signed while they were waiting. Cassis obstructed the idea. He thought tomorrow would be quite soon enough. He scouted Mr. Torrington's statement that on the morrow they would have to see about Frencham Altar's release. He said that this was a matter dependant on Barraclough's return.
"Our contract with Altar terminated at eleven tonight," insisted Mr.
Torrington. "Kindly sign this cheque beneath my signature."