Wilmore was leaning forward in his place, studying the newcomer earnestly.

An impatient invective was somehow stifled upon Francis' lips.
"Within a few yards of this place, sometime before the closing hour to-night," the intruder continued, earnestly yet with a curious absence of any human quality in his hard tone, "there will be a disturbance, and probably what you would call a crime will be committed.

Will you use your vaunted gifts to hunt down the desperate criminal, and, in your own picturesque phraseology, set your heel upon his neck?
Success may bring you fame, and the trail may lead--well, who knows where ?" Afterwards, both Francis and Andrew Wilmore marvelled at themselves, unable at any time to find any reasonable explanation of their conduct, for they answered this man neither with ridicule, rudeness nor civility.
They simply stared at him, impressed with the convincing arrogance of his challenge and unable to find words of reply.

They received his mocking farewell without any form of reciprocation or sign of resentment.

They watched him leave the room, a dignified, distinguished figure, sped on his way with marks of the deepest respect by waiters, maitres d'hotels and even the manager himself.