Wingate stood at her side, grim and threatening.

The words had left her lips before either of the other men could shout her down.
"It is a night message from New York," she said.

"Listen: 'Confirm eleven steamers Universal Line withdrawn Japan trade loading secretly huge wheat cargo for Liverpool.

Confirm John Wingate, Milan Court, holds controlling influence.

Advise buy his shares any price.'" There was a moment's intense silence.