The sunlight, the music, and the pleasant air of excitement were all in his veins.

He was full of the strong joy of living.

And then, in the midst of it all, came a dull, crashing blow.

It was as though all his castles in the air had come toppling about his ears, the blue sky had turned to stony grey and the sweet waltz music had become a dirge.

Always a keen watcher of men's faces, he had glanced for a second time at a gaunt, sallow man who wore a loose check suit and a grey Homburg hat.