Mr. Janney emitted an agreeing murmur and motioned Dixon to hold the lamp nearer. As he bent toward it the young man was silent and Mr. Janney began to hope that the obnoxious subject was abandoned. He sent a side glance at his guest and the hope was strengthened. Ferguson had taken his cigar from his lips and was looking at the paper band that encircled it. He was looking at it so intently that Mr. Janney felt sure his interest was diverted and sought to drive it into safer channels.
"Pretty fine cigar, eh?" he said. "This is the first of a new lot, just come."
Ferguson drew the band off and laid it beside his plate:
"Excellent. That's a good idea—keeping them in the safe. Do you always do it?"
"Yes, it's the only thing—much better than a humidor."
"I haven't got a safe or I'd try it. Did you have any there the night of the robbery?"
Mr. Janney felt that the gods had sought him out for a special vengeance and murmured drearily:
"I believe so—a few. Dixon knows."
Dixon who was on his way to the door turned:
"Yes, sir, only one box, the last we had."