Also he is not so wide open to original surprise.
Wherefore, when Richard and Storri stood glaring at one another after the episode of the hands, Richard had vastly the better of Storri, who fell into a three-ply mood of amazement, fright, and rage.

Finally, Storri seemed to mutter threats while he retreated; and at the last got himself out of the Harley front door in rather an incoherent way.

It was understood that he mumbled "Good-afternoon!" to Dorothy; and that "he would talk with him again," to Richard; and all as he found his hat with his left hand, the right meanwhile wrapped in a handkerchief which was a smudge of blood.

It could not be described as a graceful exit and had many of the features of a rout; but it was effective, and took Storri successfully into the street.

Dorothy, still transfixed, turned with round eyes to Richard: "What was it you did ?" she asked again.
"It was nothing," replied Richard with a shrug.