Harry Lime is in the city of Algiers, in North Africa, visiting the Barbary Queen, a place where the tourists definitely aren't invited. There, he meets his old friend, Tutor, who is the owner of the establishment. Tutor says "Welcome back to the Casbah, Harry. I've been saving your favorite table here for, how long is it?" Harry says "Oh, too long, Tutor. I see the Barbary Queen hasn't changed. Same sights, same smells. Haven't your customers gone home since my last visit?" Tutor says "Please, Mon Ami. It's not so much like the old days anymore. The Barbary Queen is becoming almost dull". Just then, a big fight breaks out between other patrons, and Tutor has to break it up. He says "All right, the fight is finished. The trouble is over". Harry says "It appears the trouble is just beginning". A lady standing nearby says "That depends on what you call trouble. May I join you?" Harry says "Certainly". She says "You haven't been to the Barbary Queen before?" Harry says "Not recently, not since you joined the staff". Tutor walks over and says "Ah, my dear Magda, I'm glad you discovered my friend. This is Harry Lyme. You treat him good. He's a fine man". Magda says "I shall do my best". Tutor says "Now, I'll send over two drinks on the house". Magda says "You're friends with Tutor, and you're an American. Few Americans ever come here, and none of them are friends with Tutor". Harry says "Oh, we aren't exactly the best of friends, Tutor and I, but we've been partners in a couple of deals" Magda says "Oh, so that's it. I knew you must be valuable to him".