Chapter 30

A frown clouded Béchoux’s brow. His professional conscience pricked him sore for being on friendly terms with Barnett. He cursed the unkind fate that forced him to collaborate with a man he felt sure was a crook, and to incur obligations to the fellow into the bargain. But there are moments and circumstances when even the just man stretches a point. The loss of a dozen valuable African mining shares explained Béchoux’s course of action. Swallowing his scruples, he whispered: “It’s the concierge, of course?” “It is …