Fenton ran a finger round his immaculate collar and shot a quick glance at his brother, standing at the other side of his broad desk. "The trouble with you is," he began impressively, "that you imagine our business can be run on the same lines out here as if we were in Boston and dealing with dyed-in-the-wool New Englanders. Now about Ben Saif, let me tell you—"
"You're stalling! I came to tell you something! I'm on my way to report at Headquarters. Linda's gone, and I'll burn up the whole of the Barbary coast to get her back, if necessary."
"Linda's safe, I tell you." Fenton's calm was beginning to wear thin. "If you'll give me twenty-four hours, I'll have her back in Zilfi again. It's only a question of money. That's all Ben Saif wants. Just leave him to me. I'll fix him."
"You're the
