To push the simile a bit farther, Mr.Schmidt, I may describe Mr.Steingall as the referee and watch-holder.

When he cries 'Time' someone will go to Sing-Sing." Perhaps some attribute of the father revealed itself in the son, because Steingall, who thought at first that Devar had allowed his tongue to run away with him, fancied that the lawyer dropped his inquiries somewhat suddenly.
"The Earl of Valletort and Count Vassilan are due now," he said, glancing at a clock.
"Oh, they will be here without fail," said the detective.

"Mr.Clancy, of the Bureau, is bringing de Courtois." "Bringing him ?" repeated Schmidt.
"Yes." "Unofficially ?" "That depends wholly on de Courtois.

He has to come, whether he likes it or not.

Whether he will be allowed to go away again is another matter." Schmidt's eyelids fell in thought.