By instinct every eye in the room was fixed upon the little group, as the jokers turned to face the object of their jests.
The big mountaineer took one long step toward the two who had spoken, his brow dark with rage, his huge fists clenched.

But, even as his powerful muscles contracted for the expected blow, the giant came to a dead stop.

Slowly his arm relaxed.

His hand dropped to his side.

Then, turning deliberately, he walked to the door, the silent crowd parting to give him way.
As the big man stepped from the room, a gasp of astonishment escaped from the company, and the two jokers, with frightened faces, broke into a shrill, nervous laughter.