The Englishman turned his head from side to side, as though looking for assistance.
"That's no better.... And also, are you quite sure that you are entitled to lay hands upon me? Come, be a sportsman!"
The display of sportsmanlike qualities was not particularly tempting on this occasion. Nevertheless, it probably appeared to Shears to be the wisest course; for he half rose and coldly introduced his companion:
"Mr. Wilson, my friend and assistant ... M. Arsène Lupin."
Wilson's stupefaction made us all laugh. His eyes and mouth, both wide open, drew two streaks across his expansive face, with its skin gleaming and tight-stretched like an apple's, while his bristly hair stood up like so many thick-set, hardy blades of grass.
"Wilson, you don't seem able to conceal your bewilderment at one of the most natural incidents in the world," grinned Holmlock Shears, with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.
Wilson stammered:
"Why ... why don't you arrest him?"
"Don't you see, Wilson, that the gentleman is standing between the door and myself and at two steps from the door. Before I moved a finger, he would be outside."
"Don't let that stand in your way," said Lupin.