Besides," he added, glancing at the signorina, "we have other reasons for suspecting it.

Give me the ten thousand.

You shall have your loan back, and, if you like, you shall be Minister of Finance.

We practically know the money's there; don't we, signorina ?" She nodded assent.
"If we fail ?" said I.
He drew a neat little revolver from his pocket, placed it for a moment against his ear, and repocketed it.
"Most lucidly explained, colonel," said I."Will you give me half an hour to think it over ?" "Yes," he said.

"You'll excuse me if I stay in the outer office.