“I wish we were,” laughed the handsome adventuress.
“Yes. We have only to dance to his tune,” said he. “And the tune just now is not one which is pleasing to us—eh?”
“You seem strangely apprehensive.”
“I am. I believe that The Sparrow, while making pretence of supporting our little affair, is in favour of Hugh’s marriage with Dorise Ranscomb.”
The woman looked him straight in the face.
“He could never go back on his word!” she declared.
“The Sparrow is a curious combination of the crook—chivalrous and philanthropic—as you already know.”
“But surely, he wouldn’t let us down?”
Benton paused. He was thinking deeply. A certain fact had suddenly occurred to him.
“If he does, then we must, I suppose, do our best to expose him. I happen to know that he has quarrelled with Henri Michaux, the under-secretary of the Surete in Paris, who has declared that his payment is not sufficient. Michaux is anxious to get even with him. A word from us would result in The Sparrow’s arrest.”