Part 13 (1/2)
”They all do, but it's in their interests--I mean the interests of their country. They worm out secrets, they are utterly unscrupulous, nothing is safe from them,” said Fraser.
”Then out with them. I say, Fraser, you get hold of some remarkable information; how do you manage it?” asked Alan.
”I pick my friends; I am careful. What do you think that letter from Berlin is worth?” asked Fraser.
”A good round sum.”
”A thousand?”
”Yes.”
”Then he shall have it.”
”You think it is worth that?”
”I do.”
”Then we can't be far out in giving it,” said Alan.
”You think I am too careful?”
”Yes.”
”It would be better if you were,” was the answer.
Alan moved impatiently in his chair.
”I don't consider I spend too much.”
Duncan Fraser looked at him with a kindly light in his somewhat hard eyes.
”This is a great business,” he said slowly, ”or it would never stand the strain. Take my advice and cut down expenses; we're in for lean years.”
Alan laughed as he replied:
”What an old croaker you are!”
He got up, put on his motor coat and held out his hand.
”I am glad you sent for me,” he said. ”I shall just have time to get to the course before the first race.”
”Would it matter if you missed it?” said Fraser quietly.
”No actual damage would be done if I did miss it. Still, I'd rather be there; I promised to meet some friends.”
”Then I conclude you agree with me and will buy?”
”Certainly; it will be a great stroke of business. I wonder if others are thinking of the same thing?”