"She'll probably be sweetness itself next time she sees you. She'll
argue she's created an impression and can afford to be gracious."

"Impression is good!" said Yerkes. "I mean it's bad! She has created
one, all right! What's the likelihood of her having double-crossed the
Germans? Mightn't she have got a clue to where the stuff is, and be
holding for a better market than they offer?"

"I was coming to that," said Monty. "Yes, it's possible. But whatever
her game is, don't let us play it for her. Let her do the leading. If
she gets hold of you fellows, one at a time or all together, for the
love of heaven tell her nothing! Let her tell all she likes, but admit
nothing--tell nothing--ask no questions! That's an old rule in
diplomacy (and remember, she's a diplomat, whatever else she may be!)
Old-stagers can divine the Young ones' secrets from the nature of the
questions they ask! So if you got the chance, ask her nothing! Don't
lie, either! It would take a very old hand to lie to her in such way
that she couldn't see through it!"

"Why not be simply rude and turn our backs?" said I.

"Best of all--provided you can do it! Remember, she's a old hand!"

"D'you mean," said Yerkes, "that if she were to offer proof that she
knows where that ivory is, and proposed terms, you wouldn't talk it
over?"

"I mean let her alone!" said Monty.