o 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."

"I hoped we were going to talk sense," he answered quietly.

"How can any one talk sense with a man like you? What are you
doing in this country? `Horning in' is what they'd call it in
America. You've got no business here. It's different in my case.
I'm married to Ali Higg. I've thrown in my lot with these people.
I've a right to help them to independence. But what right have
you got to interfere? Bah! Name your price. I'll pay if I can."

"Well, Jael," he answered with a rather whimsical smile. "I'll
try to disillusion you to begin with. Perhaps if you understand
me better you'll be reasonable.

"All I know is Arabic and Arabs. I've no other gifts, and I like
to be some use in the world. I'm real fond of Arabs. It 'ud
tickle me to see them make good. But I can see as far through a
stone wall as any blind horse can, and I know--better maybe than
you do, Jael--that all they'll get by cutting loose and playing
pirates is the worst end of it. I hate to see them lose out, so I
use what gifts I've got in their behalf."

"Do you call it helping us to come out against Ali Higg and
kidnap his wives?" she retorted. "Ali Higg is a patriot. He's
against all foreign control of Arab country, and he's man enough
to fight.

"These British and French and Italians promised us an independent
Arab country. Where is it? Have you seen any of it? No. And
you're helping the British break their promise!

"Ali Higg is doing his best to redee