He waved his hand to express his intense distaste for crudity in any form. There was indeed nothing crude about M. Papopolous nor about the goods he handled. He was well known in most European courts, and kings called him Demetrius in a friendly manner. He had the reputation for the most exquisite discretion. That, together with the nobility of his aspect, had carried him through several very questionable transactions.

“The direct attack⁠—” said M. Papopolous. He shook his head. “It answers sometimes⁠—but very seldom.”

The other shrugged his shoulders.

“It saves time,” he remarked, “and to fail costs nothing⁠—or next to nothing. The other plan⁠—will not fail.”

“Ah,” said M. Papopolous, looking at him keenly.