But that might have been the usual one unerring blunder of criminal sagacity and forethought.

It was equally true that he did not look or act like a mean murderer; but that was nothing.

However, there was no evidence of these reflections in the Colonel's face.

Rather he suddenly beamed with an excess of politeness.

"Would you--er--mind, Mr.
Corbin, whilst I am going over those letters again, to--er--step across to my office--and--er--bring me the copy of 'Wood's Digest' that lies on my table?
It will save some time." The stranger rose, as if the service was part of his self-imposed trouble, and as equally hopeless with the rest, and taking his hat departed to execute the commission.