As he entered this apartment, he found several gentlemen evidently awaiting his appearance, all of whom wore a thoughtful, troubled look, as though they keenly felt the losses they had sustained and were resolved to bear up manfully under their misfortune.
Mr.Silby, the president, a tall, fine-looking gentleman in the prime of life, arose as the detective entered.

Mr.Silby was one of those persons who instinctively impress the beholder, with a confidence closely approaching to veneration.

Of a commanding presence, a broad noble face surmounted with a wealth of hair in which the silvery touch of time has left many traces, while his deep blue eyes were as bright as those of a youth of twenty.

There was such an air of rugged and uncompromising honesty, of kindly feeling and warm-heartedness about the man, that even before he had spoken the detective experienced a strong impulse of regard for him, and a corresponding determination to perform his full duty in this investigation and to devote all the energy of his being to the task before him.
Presenting his letter of introduction, Mr.Silby hastily ran his eyes over the contents, and then extending his hand he gave the detective a most cordial greeting, and introduced him to the other gentlemen present, all of whom received him warmly.
"Take a seat, Mr.Manning," said Mr.Silby, drawing up a chair.

"You find us anxiously awaiting your arrival, and prepared to give you any information you desire." "Thanks," responded the operative, taking the proffered chair.