After the cigars were lighted and the fragrant clouds of tobacco smoke were rising, he reopened the conversation.

And now, in an easy, diplomatic way, he took his turn at questioning.
It was pretty thorough pumping, managed with the skill of an experienced cross-examiner.

Captain Elisha, without realizing that he was doing so, told of his boyhood, his life at sea, his home at South Denboro, his position in the village, his work as selectman, as member of the school committee, and as director in the bank.

The tone of the questioner expressed nothing--he was too well trained for that--but every item of information was tabulated and appraised.
The tall mahogany-cased clock struck three, then four.

The lawyer finished his cigar and lit another.