Except that he stood drinks to people on suitable occasions, like any other man, this observer of facts seemed to have no connection with earthly affairs and passions.

The very courtesy of his manner, the flavour of playfulness in the voice set him apart.

He was like a feather floating lightly in the workaday atmosphere which was the breath of our nostrils.

For this reason whenever this looker-on took contact with things he attracted attention.

First, it was the Morrison partnership of mystery, then came the great sensation of the Tropical Belt Coal where indeed varied interests were involved: a real business matter.