Both the ear and the piercing eagle gaze set him all agog.
Should he speak?
The lieutenant was gazing steadfastly down at Mr.Conne and coming nearer with every step.

Of course, Mr.Conne would stop him anyway, but---- To mention that piercing stare and that ear after the man had been stopped for the more tangible reason--there would be no triumph in that.
Tom's hand trembled like a leaf and his voice was unsteady as he turned to Mr.Conne, and said.
"This one coming down--the one that's looking at you--he looks like--and I notice----" "Put your hands down, my man," called Mr.Conne peremptorily, at the same time leaping with the agility of a panther up past the descending throng.

"I'll take those." But Tom Slade had spoken first.

He did not know whether Mr.Conne's sudden dash had been prompted by his words or not.

He saw him lift the heavy spectacles off the man's ears and with beating heart watched him as he came down alongside the lieutenant.
"Going to throw them away, eh ?" he heard Mr.Conne say.
Evidently the man, seeing another's glasses examined, had tried to remove his own before he reached the place of inspection.