"So you'd like me to persuade Fabian Grier to influence Belloc, because
I'd make things easy for you!" she said briskly. "Do you forget I've
known Fabian since I was a baby, that my sister is his wife, and that his
interests are near to me?"

He did not knuckle down. "I think it would be helping Fabian's
interests. Belloc and Fabian Grier are generally in the wrong, and to
keep them right would be good business-policy. When I've trouble with
Belloc's firm it's because they act like dogs in the manger. They seem
to hate me to live."

She laughed--a buoyant, scornful laugh. "So all the fault is in Belloc
and Fabian, is it?" She was impressed enormously by his sangfroid and
will to rule the roost. "I think you're clever, and that you've got
plenty of horse-sense, as they say in the West, but you'll be beaten in
the end. How does it feel"--she asked it with provoking candour--"to be
the boss of big things?"

"I know I'm always settling troubles my business foes make for me. I
have to settle one of them now, and I'm glad I've met you, for you can
help me. I want some new river-rules made. If Belloc and Grier'll agree
to them, we'll do away with this constant trouble between our gangs."

"And you'd like me to help you?"

He smiled a big riverman's smile down at her, full of good-humour and
audacity.

"If you could make it clear to Fabian that all I'm after is peace on the
river, it'd do a lot of good."