"Certainly I am not offended. I enjoyed it. I would like to meet the man and congratulate him on the takeoff."
Neville climbed up onto the stage and walked boldly through the curtain. There was a brief tingly feeling, and then he was backstage. Most of the actors had gone to their dressing rooms, but several stood about chatting with the colonel and Mr. Carstairs.
At that moment the man who had made the announcement came on the stage and spoke to Colonel Frawley.
"I dislike interrupting you, Inspector," he said obsequiously, "but one of our patrons is making trouble in the wash-room. She claims her pocket was picked. Would you come?"
"Nonsense!" exclaimed the colonel. "I stationed an operative there to prevent that very thing. No doubt it is a mistake. However, I'll do what I can."
He excused himself and hurried off. Then the man in black turned to Neville and said in an icy voice, "And you, sir—what is it you wish?"
Neville's mind worked instantly. He did not want to express interest in Mr. Carstairs, nor did he care to reveal to the showman his acquaintance with the colonel. So he said quickly:
"The curtain ... I was curious as to how it worked ... you see, once I...."
"Joe," called the man, wheeling, "explain the curtain to the gentleman."