Lane stepped between them just in time to save Pepper a blow.
"I know what he's done.

I apologize for him," said Lane, to the stranger.

"He's made a good many people victims of the same indignity.
It's a weakness--a disease.

He can't help himself.

Pray overlook it." The stranger appeared impressed with Lane's presence, probably with his uniform, and slowly shook himself and fell back, to glower at Pepper, and curse under his breath, still uncertain of himself.
Lane grasped Colonel Pepper and led him out of the lobby.
"Pepper, you're going to get in an awful mess with that stunt of yours," he declared, severely.