"Yes, sir—such an outrage upon my dignity. I do not understand——"
"Let me explain," went on Renwick, feeling more idiotic every moment; "I have an enemy who seeks my life and when you put your hand in your pocket I thought that you——"
"It is strange that a gentleman in a railway carriage may not be permitted to blow his nose without being threatened with a pistol," he said hotly.
"But you will admit, my friend, that your always being next to me in trains is at least suspicious."
"Donnerwetter! And why, for the same reason, should I not be suspicious of you?"
"I trust at least that you have no enemies who seek your life."
"Who knows?" he shrugged. "Every man has enemies. I will thank you, sir, to keep your pistol in your pocket."
"Willingly. And in return I may say that you may blow your nose as often as you please."
"Danke," with some irony. "You are very kind. I suppose, if when reaching Ujvidek, I should happen to be going in your direction you would shoot me without further question."
"That would depend on which direction you are taking," replied Renwick, with a sense of abortive humor.