We have license throughout the
city. We may do what others may not. For us there is no crime. I kill
you now perhaps. The police arrive. I am before the Commissioner. I give
him the sign--it is _l'affaire Poynton_. I go free! It is a certain
thing."
"Granted!" Spencer said. "Proceed with your killing, or your argument."
"With the latter, if you please," Monsieur Louis answered. "I do not
choose to kill. _L'affaire Poynton_, then. Harm is not meant to either
of these young people. That I assure you upon my honor. In three weeks,
or say a month, we have finished. They may return to their homes if they
will. We have no further interest in them. For those three weeks you
must remain as you are--you, and if you have influence over him, Sir
George Duncombe. The other two fools we have no care for. If they
blundered into knowledge--well, they must pay. They are not our concern,
yours and mine. For you, I bring you an offer, Monsieur Spencer."
"_Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes!_" Spencer murmured.
Monsieur Louis smiled.
"My gift," he answered, "will not terrify you. You are a journalist. I
offer to make the fortune of your paper.
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