"I thought you'd appreciate it."
Again, Talcott was ironical, but Graff's mood didn't change.
"Money would talk with Benisette!" he exclaimed. "Just as with anybody
else! I'll close the deal with him right now, pending Shebley's future
decision."
"Go right ahead." Talcott gestured to the door. "Good luck, Graff."
As Graff went out, Talcott motioned Margo to a chair and took another for
himself. While they waited, Talcott talked wearily of the problems of an antique
dealer, wishing sincerely that Cranston had decided to buy the Chu Chan chest
before Benisette ever saw it.
"I could have sold it to Shebley," added Talcott, "only I couldn't
guarantee that it was unique. He wanted to talk it over with old Professor
Frescott up at the Museum of Antiquities. I suppose Frescott was honest with
him, too."
Margo wasn't listening closely. She was expecting sounds of chaos from the
rear room, but apparently Benisette and Graff had curbed themselves sufficiently
to hold a quiet conference.
"Of course Graff would say anything," continued Talcott, after a
considerable pause. "But that doesn't mean that Shebley would listen -"
Now Margo was listening hard and Talcott paused to watch her. He caught the
sound too, heavy footsteps approaching the door. Both stared as the door opened
and in stepped Benisette. The bearded man's face wore its cold look of
satisfaction.
"Now I've experienced everything," declared Benisette, with a deep chuckle.
"Imagine Graff trying to do business with me! By the way" - he reached into his
pocket - "here's your five thousand, Talcott."
"It can wait until tomorrow," said Talcott, "when you send the truck to get
it. I'll have the bill of sale made out by then. Whatever profit you make is
your own business."
"You mean profit from Graff?" Leaning his head back, Benisette roared a
laugh. "Why, I told that rascal I wouldn't sell the chest at any price. Frankly,
Talcott" - Benisette lowered his head as well as his tone - "I think that Graff
is desperate."
Talcott gave a half convinced nod.
"His swindles have caught up with him," added Benisette. "If we don't hear
from him again, good riddance. If he clears town tonight and never comes back,
you'll have me to thank for it. I'll make the rounds of the dealers tomorrow
with twice as much as this" - Benisette produced his bankroll - "and more. From
the way Graff left, he won't be back to tag me and up my bids with other
people's money!"
"If you're in a buying mood," returned Talcott, with a profound bow, "be
sure to stop here first."
"I'll stop to pick up the chest, anyway," promised Benisette, "but there's
not much else in your stock that interests me."
Talcott took that comment as a matter of course. From his desk, he produced
a large, intricate key which he handed to Benisette.
"Here's the key to Chu Chan's chest," stated Talcott. "I'd better give it
to you before I forget it. The lock is automatic, the one modern thing about the
chest."
Nodding, Benisette left the office and strode down the front stairway.
