Moreover, it was evident that he had resolved to keep a firm rein on his temper.
"Now, Mr.Schmidt," he said brusquely, "your time and mine is valuable.
Why have Count Vassilan and I been summoned here this morning by the police authorities ?" Schmidt looked at Steingall, and the detective seemed to be almost at a loss for words.
"I am--not aware--there is any particular call--for hurry," he said.
"Are you, my lord, and Count Vassilan thinking of returning to Europe to-morrow ?" The Hungarian laughed, not mirthfully, but with the forced gayety of a man who had considered how to act, and meant to adopt a decided attitude.
"Certainly not," said the Earl stiffly, with uplifted eyebrows.
Steingall pursed his lips, and his forehead seamed in a reflective frown.
"I ought to explain," he said, "that I put that question as offering what appeared to me an easy way out of a situation which bristles with difficulties otherwise." His hesitancy had suddenly been replaced by slowness of utterance, but it is reasonable to suppose that, of those present, Curtis and Schmidt alone noted the marked distinction.
"My good man," said the Earl, "you must have the strangest notion of the reason which accounts for my presence in New York.

I came here to rescue my daughter from a set of designing ruffians, some of whom I knew of, and others whom I had never heard of.

Why you should think that I may have it in mind to leave the country without being accompanied by Lady Hermione Grandison I cannot tell, and it is in the highest degree improbable that she will be prepared to sail to-morrow.
Apart from my private arrangements, too, I mean to remain here until I have punished at least one person as he deserves." "Jean de Courtois ?" inquired Steingall.
"No, sir.

That man who stands there, and whose name is given as Curtis." The Earl nearly grew wrathful.

It annoyed him to find that Curtis was not looking at him at all, but was greatly interested in Schmidt.