He could not have said whether he liked him or thought him interesting, but he had a strong impression that there was something somewhere, he could not tell what, which Mr.Barker understood thoroughly, and in which he might show to great advantage.

He felt that however superficial and unartistic the American might be, he was nevertheless no fool.

There was something keen and sharp-edged about him that proclaimed a character capable of influencing men, and accustomed to deal boldly and daringly with life.
They dined as well as could be expected in a country which is not gastronomic, and Mr.Barker produced a rare brand of cigars, without which, he informed his guest, he never travelled.

They were fat brown Havanas, and Claudius enjoyed them.
"Let us go to Baden-Baden," said Barker, sucking at his weed, which protruded from his immense moustache like a gun under the raised port-hole of an old-fashioned man-of-war.
"If I were seeking innocent recreation from my labours, that is not exactly the spot I would choose to disport myself in," replied Claudius.
"The scenery is good, but the people are detestable." "I agree with you; but it is a nice place for all that.

You can always gamble to pass the time." "I never play games of chance, and there is no play in Baden now." "Principle or taste, Professor ?" "I suppose I must allow that it is principle.