"I am glad to know that," she said. "It will save my wasting words. No man could ever get your reputation without being ruthless. I won't annoy you by pleading for mercy."
And she looked at once as merciless as she expected him to be.
"Now, Jael Higg," he answered, "let's talk sense."
"You're a rare one, if you can!" she retorted.
"Let's do our best," he said kindly.
She looked very keenly at him for thirty seconds, and seemed to make up her mind that she had no chance against him.
"Very well," she said. "I'll begin by being sensible. How much money do you want?"
It is true that the more you analyze Grim's face the more he does impress you as a keen business man. But there are modifying symptoms. He did not appear to have heard the question.
"I want you to be straightforward and tell me all you know of Ali
Higg's circumstances."
"Yes. I'd expect you to want that. As an American hired by the British to help them exploit this country, that's what you would ask. After you know all about him you can fix the ransom. That right? Well, I won't tell."