A glass with a thin sediment of sugar and lemon-peel remaining in it stood near his elbow.

Suddenly a black shadow fell on the staring, uncarpeted hall.

It was that of a stranger who had just entered from the noiseless dust of the deserted road.

The Colonel cast a rapid glance at his sword-cane, which lay on the table.
But the stranger, although sallow and morose-looking, was evidently of pacific intent.

He paused on the threshold in a kind of surly embarrassment.
"I reckon this is Colonel Starbottle," he said at last, glancing gloomily round him, as if the interview was not entirely of his own seeking.