I tell you that he was just a blustering ruffian." Mr.Flexen had a strong impression that Colonel Grey was unused to being as expansive as this, that he was talking for talking's sake, possibly to put him off asking some question which would be difficult or dangerous to answer.

He could not for the life of him think what that question could be.
"I daresay you're right," he said carelessly.

"Bullies aren't over-fond of a real scrap.

But I am told that you paid a visit to the Castle last night and came away about a quarter past eleven.

Did you ?" Colonel Grey showed no faintest disquiet on hearing that his visit to Olivia the night before was known.