"I am Dr. Lowell," I said, hastily. "Connected with the hospital. Come right along."
They did not answer me. Nor did their gaze waver from me; nor did they move. Ricori stepped in front
of them. His hands were also in his pockets. He looked me over, then nodded to the others; I felt the
tension relax.
"I know you, Doctor," he said pleasantly, in oddly precise English. "But that was quite a chance you
took. If I might advise you, it is not well to move so quickly when those come whom you do not know,
and at night-not in this town."
"But," I said, "I do know you, Mr. Ricori."
"Then," he smiled, faintly, "your judgment was doubly at fault. And my advice doubly pertinent."
There was an awkward moment of silence. He broke it.