"But, on the whole, I think it's
something else. Something he wants from The Patriot, perhaps. Immunity?
Would that be it? Not that I mean, necessarily, to deal."
"What is your proposition?" she asked confidentially.
"How can I advance one when I don't know what your principal wants?"
"The paragraph was written in good faith," she asserted.
"And could be withdrawn in equal good faith?"
Her laugh was silvery clear. "Very possibly. Under proper
representations."
"Then don't you think I'd better deal direct with the Major?"
She studied his face. "Yes," she began, and instantly refuted herself.
"No. I don't trust you. There's trouble under that smooth smile of
yours."
"But _you're_ not afraid of me, surely," said Banneker. He had found out
one important point; her manner when she said "Yes" indicated that the
proprietor was in the building. Now he continued: "Are you?"
"I don't know. I think I am." There was a little catch in her breath. "I
think you'd be dangerous to any woman."
Banneker, his eyes fixed on hers, played for time and a further lead
with a banality. "You're pleased to flatter me."
"Aren't you pleased to be flattered?" she returned provocatively.
He put his hand on her wrist. She swayed to him with a slow, facile
yielding.
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