If the terrible concentration which the Sepoy resumed, with his luminous eyes upon the countenance of the detective, affected the latter, there was certainly no such evidence.
It was as dull and lifeless as ever; the eyelids had fallen to their accustomed suggestion of ambush, and it seemed scarcely possible that the sharp directions of a few moments since could issue from such flaccid lips, and so much determination could dominate such an insignificant figure.
Apparently exasperated by the undemonstration of this negative aspect, the Sepoy was near the limit of his repression.
The lines about his lips relaxed somewhat, the pupils of his eyes reduced their staring diameter, and his head was inclined forward a trifle.
Gratz concluded that his companion had decided to speak.
He was not mistaken.
“Can I be spared the humiliation of meeting that old dotard you have sent for?”
“I do not see how,” replied Gratz.
“What do you gain by it?” asked the Sepoy.
“I cannot tell that in advance; possibly nothing,” replied Gratz.