We don't pretend to know how you came by the secret or why he has gone to London, but we are sure you know it, perfectly sure, and for five or six reasons.

We are willing to buy the secret from you at your own price." "Who are 'we' ?" asked Fred pointedly, helping himself to nuts.
"The German government, the Sultan of Zanzibar, and myself." Fred smiled.

"Between you you probably could pay," he remarked.
"I will tell you a few hard facts," she said, "now that the ice is broken.

You will never be allowed to make full use of your own secret.
You have arrived at an inopportune moment, for you and for us.

Our plans have been on foot a long time.