"Step this way, if you please, Mr. Hampden," he said with quiet dignity.
I hastened to quit the bare and narrow prison, and was astonished to find myself amid the oriental splendor of Big Sam's room of state.
"I ask your pardon for the somewhat unceremonious welcome you have had," said Big Sam, motioning me to a chair, and taking his seat behind the great carved desk.
"Don't mention it," I said. "I suppose it's your customary way of paying honor to distinguished guests."
Big Sam gave my pleasantry a dignified smile.
"We have to be prepared for more than one kind of visitor," he said. "Perhaps it is unnecessary to call your attention to the circumstance that you made no saving of time when you declined to give your name and business to the man who met you at the foot of the stairs. It is a mere detail, but on your next visit you will find a shorter way to this room by sending up your name."
"I shall take advantage of the permission, but I didn't suppose it necessary."
"These are troublous times," said Big Sam, "and I have more than one very good reason to take precautions."
"I might suppose so from the change you have made in the entrance to your rooms," I returned.
Big Sam gave me a quick glance.