"On the contrary, sir, he is quite well. I had a cablegram from him to-day."
"A cablegram?"
"Yes. I cabled day before yesterday to ask if he could tell me the whereabouts of his son."
"The deuce you say!"
"He replies that you are in Teheran."
"What is the meaning of this, Baron?"
"It is a habit I have. I make it a practice to keep in touch with the movements of our guests."
"I see. You want to know all about me; why I'm here, where I came from, and all that. Well, I'm ready for the 'sweat box.'"
"Pray do not take offence. It is my rule. It would not be altered if the King of England came. Ah, here are the juleps. Quick service, eh?"
"Remarkably so, due to your powers of persuasion, I fancy."