“You may put up that pistol,” he said coolly. “I’m not going to jump you, so it’s unnecessary. Besides, it’s bad form with a lady present. And finally, if you should happen to let it off the racket would bring the police down on you more quickly than you’d like, I fancy.”
The man grinned and shoved the weapon into a pocket from which its grip projected handily.
“Something in what you say,” he assented. “Besides, I’m quick, surprisingly quick with my hands.”
“Part of your professional equipment, no doubt,” commented Staff indifferently.
“Admit it,” said the other easily. He turned his attention to Alison. “Well, Miss Landis ...?”
“Well, Mr. Iff?” she returned in the same tone.
“No,” he corrected; “not Iff—Ismay.”
“So you’ve changed identities again!”
“Surely you don’t mind?” he said, grinning over the evasion.
“But you denied being Ismay aboard the Autocratic.”