Instead of increasing his anger, as the detective had naturally expected, it appeared to have the contrary effect, for every vestige of passion immediately disappeared from his face, leaving only its natural disfigurement to plead against him.
He approached them, and Ransom, at least, was conscious of a revulsion of feeling in his favor, there was such restraint and yet such undoubted power in his strange and peculiar personality.
"You know me ?" said he, darting a keen and comprehensive look from one to the other.
"We should like a few words with you," ventured Gerridge.

"This gentleman thinks you can give him very valuable information about a person he is greatly interested in." "He is mistaken." The words came quick and decisive in a not unmelodious voice.

"I am a stranger in New York; a stranger in this country.

I have few, if any, acquaintances." "You have _one_." It was now Mr.Ransom's turn.
"A man with no acquaintances does not attend weddings; certainly not wedding receptions.

I have seen you at one, my own.