For some moments there was a gigantic silence — on the part of Chief Inspector Teal. The Saint could feel the tremendousness of it; and he was amused, for he knew exactly where he stood. And in his trouser pockets there were two iron fists quietly bunched up ready to prove the courage of his convictions if the challenge were offered…
And then Teal opened his eyes, and his mouth widened half an inch momentarily.
He nodded.
"You always were a bright boy," he said.
"I know," said the Saint.
Teal's smile remained in position. He hitched his overcoat round, and buttoned a button that must have had a tiring day. His heavy-lidded eyes roved boredly over the furnishings of the apartment.
"Sorry you've wasted your time," said the Saint sympathetically. "Don't let me keep you any longer if you're really in a hurry."
"I won't," said Teal. And then his eyes fell on the chair where Jill Trelawney had been sitting.
Simon followed his gaze.
"Been entertaining a friend?" asked Teal, without a change of expression.