If looks could kill, Tarling would have died.
"A clumsy trick," said Tarling, shaking his head mournfully.

"Now go back to your boss, Mr.Thornton Lyne, and tell him that I am ashamed of an intelligent man adopting so crude a method," and with a kick he dismissed Sam Stay to the outer darkness.
The girl, who had been a frightened spectator of the scene, turned her eyes imploringly upon the detective.
"What does it mean ?" she pleaded.

"I feel so frightened.

What did that man want ?" "You need not be afraid of that man, or any other man," said Tarling briskly.

"I'm sorry you were scared." He succeeded in calming her by the time her servant had returned and then took his leave.
"Remember, I have given you my telephone number and you will call me up if there is any trouble.