.*

hazardous, but no more than waiting here for certain detection. There would be back roads. They could choose an unlikely route to avoid attention.

85 But there would be other complications ... and now was the time to consider ○

them. Traveling by secondary roads would be difficult unless knowing the terrain. The Croydons did not. Nor was either of them adept at using maps. And when they stopped for petrol, as they would have to, their speech and manner would betray them, making them conspicuous . And yet ... these were risks which had to be taken. 86 Or had they? ○

87 The Duchess faced Ogilvie. “How much do you want?” ○

88 The abruptness took him by surprise. “Well ... I figure you people are pretty well ○fixed.”

89 She said coldly, “I asked how much.” ○

90 The piggy eyes blinked. Ten thousand dollars.” ○

91 Though it was twice what she had expected, her expression did not change. ○

“Assuming we paid this grotesque amount, what would we receive in return?” 92 The fat man seemed puzzled. “Like I said, I keep quiet about what I know.” ○

93 “And the alternative ?” ○

94 He shrugged. “I go down the lobby. I pick up a phone. “ ○

95 “No,” The statement was unequivocal . “We will not pay, you.” ○

96 As the Duke of Croydon shifted uneasily, the house detective's bulbous ○

countenance reddened, “Now listen, lady…”

97 Peremptorily she cut him oft. “I will not listen. Instead, you will listen to me.” ○

Her eyes were riveted on his face, her handsome, high cheek boned features set in their most imperious mold. “We would achieve nothing by paying you, except possibly a few days' respite . You have made that abundantly clear.”

.*

98 “That's a chance you gotta...” ○

99 “Silence!” Her voice was a whiplash. Eyes bored into him. Swallowing, sullenly , ○he complied .

100 What came next, the Duchess of Croydon knew, could be the most significant thing she had ever done. There must be no mistake, no vacillation or dallying because of her own smallness of mind. When you were playing for the highest stakes, you made the highest bid. She intended to gamble on the fat man's greed. She must do so in such a way as to place the outcome beyond any doubt.

101 She declared decisively, “We will not pay you ten thousand dollars. But we will pay you twenty-five thousand dollars.” 102 The house detective's eyes bulged.

103 “In return for that,” she continued evenly, “You will drive our car north.” 104 Ogilvie continued to stare.

105 “Twenty-five thousand dollars,” she repeated. “Ten thousand now. Fifteen thousand more when you meet us in Chicago.”

106 Still without speaking, the fat man licked his lips. His beady eyes, as if unbelieving, were focused upon her own. The silence hung. 107 Then, as she watched intently, he gave the slightest of nods.

108 The silence remained. At length Ogilvie spoke. “This cigar bother in' you, Duchess?”

109 As she nodded, he put it out.

(from Hotel, 1965)