could rouse his anger. Just when she thought that she had humored Benisette with
a winsome smile, his violent mood returned. Under the glare of the man's mad
eyes, Margo shrank back, only to realize that his attention was directed beyond
her.
A sallow, slinky man had suddenly arrived within Benisette's range of
vision. Turning, Margo recognized the newcomer as Lionel Graff. She couldn't
exactly blame Benisette for disliking Graff, since the fellow was notorious as
an antique buyer, always trying to forestall other bids, often with promises
that he later repudiated. Still, the rage that Benisette exhibited was more than
this meeting warranted.
"More of your tricky dealing!" stormed Benisette, shoving his hands toward
Graff's throat. "I've warned you to stay out of my business and this time I mean
it!"
Considering that Benisette's face had reddened to a point that made his
beard look pale, he showed admirable self-control at the last moment. His
fingers lost their clutching itch as his hand suddenly drew apart and clamped,
not on Graff's neck, but on his shoulders. Then, roughly, Benisette tried to
spin Graff about and shove him from the gallery.
With a snarl, Graff twisted free. Coming around he struck Benisette's hands
aside and bounded back against a squatly Buddha that was seated on a taboret
against the far wall. Beside the calm faced Buddha was a bowl from which
extended an incense ladle. Clutching the latter, Graff started to raise it in a
pose of self defense.
Benisette quieted with a sneer. Brushing his sleeves as though the touch of
Graff's hands had contaminated them, Benisette turned to Talcott.
"Excuse my temper," apologized Benisette in his booming way. "I forgot that
you were keeping open until Graff arrived. Very well, if he wants to bid, let
him."
Graff gave his lips an eager lick. Like Benisette, he spoke only to
Talcott.
"How much did Benisette bid for the chest?"
"Five thousand dollars," replied Talcott. "It is a low price, I know, but
-"
"Low!" exclaimed Graff. "It's ridiculous! Why, it's absolute robbery!"
Talcott spread his hands pleadingly, as though fearing that Graff's term
would enrage Benisette, but the latter had lost his fever pitch. He was standing
now with folded arms, a contemptuous curve upon his bearded lips. The flush was
gone from Benisette's face, but somehow Margo felt that his color now
represented white heat instead of red.
"It's a fair price," began Talcott, addressing Graff, "because after all,
Mr. Benisette purchased the Bangkok dancer statue -"
"Which has nothing to do with it," interrupted Graff. "One sale does not
govern another. You have said that yourself, Talcott."
Before Talcott could reply, Benisette stepped forward, striding slowly as
though in haughty self-restraint. His tone was hard, icy, as he queried:
"Just how much can you offer for the chest, Graff?"
"More than five thousand," retorted Graff. "In fact, I'll double the bid.
I'll make it ten thousand dollars -"
"In cash?"
"Yes, in cash!"
