Mr. Mole regarded him with indignation.
"If I wasn't an old man, I would chastise you for your insolence," he cried.
"Don't fall back on your age," replied Maltravers. "I am here to take the consequences of anything I may have done."
A quick step caused him to turn round.
"Are you?" asked a voice.
It was Harkaway, who, standing in the doorway, had been a silent spectator of the scene.
Lord Maltravers folded his arms.
"I am ready to answer you, or any one else," he said.
The two men regarded one another sternly.