A slow smile chased Taylor’s intent expression away. “You would?” he said.
“I would,” Denby answered steadily.
“A business man,” Taylor returned, “wouldn’t believe you had that much unless he saw it with his own eyes.”
“I should prove it,” Denby answered. And with his first and second finger he probed behind his collar and produced three new ten-thousand-dollar bills.
“Beauties, aren’t they?” he asked of the staring Taylor.
The official seemed hypnotized by them. “I didn’t know they made ’em that big,” he said reverently.
When Denby next spoke, his tone was brisker. “Look here, Taylor, I haven’t been in Paris for two years.”
There was understanding in Taylor’s face now. “You haven’t?” he returned.
“And in case of a come-back, I’ve witnesses to prove an alibi.”
“You have?” Taylor responded, his smile broadening.