[pshrynk]

The stranger struck what could only be described as "a pose" and exclaimed, "I, my dear fellows am Hank, Comte de Bois Aussi. Gentleman adventurer, French patriot, and Cultural Attache to the Swahili Nation."

A moment of silence ensued, in which, if the light were better, the figure in the back of the room might have been seen moving its lips. "So, you're a spy for France and the Swahilis?"

"Hey, there's a Depression going on! One does what one must."

"So, what are you doing here, Senor le Compte?"

"I have an urgent message for le Grand Taxi -- the Taxi Boss!"

"You want to give the Taxi Boss a massage?"

"Non! Not a massage! A message! Don't let the ridicuous French accent fool you!"

"Well, go ahead and leave the message and I'll be sure to get it to this Taxi Boss if I ever have the opportunity."

"I happen to know that you are the Taxi Boss, the secret ruler of all Mexico. And I shall prove it!" Bois Aussi said a name.

A low growling came from near the floor. "That is not a name that is said anywhere in public by men who wish to live, senor!"

"Nonetheless, I have said it. It proves that I know whereof I speak!"

"Very well, you have shown that you know who I am. What is this urgent message?"

"Mexico is about to be embroiled in a fight with les Etats Unis, the US! There will be an incident in the Sea of Cortez, which will destroy the United States Pacific Fleet and Mexico shall be blamed."

"And... who exactly is going to do this?"

"Nazi Germany! With the US embroiled in a war with its southern neighbor, they will have a free hand to do as they wish in Africa. Including some very important mineral rights in the middle of Swahili Territory."

The Taxi Boss turned to the smaller figure near the floor. "We need to get this message to The Factor and the American Woman right away!"