And then, as suddenly, the posture shifted to ease as he said quietly:
“None the worse for the episode, Mr. Grey?”
It was not so much surprise at his knowing my name—which I knew his methods well enough by now to see would be easy—as it was the lightness and even friendliness of the tone; a friendliness which consorted ill with the stare he had favored me with the moment before. But I strove to match it as I replied:
“It was more for adventure than money that I entered the detective service, Mr. Stroth.”
I know now that nothing I could have said would have had more effect upon him, or quicker.
“Ah!” he cried delightedly, as he sprang to his feet, shoved back his chair, and strode toward me. “Good! There we have it—adventure—spice—zest! The only thing worth while, isn’t it?”
It certainly was an unexpected way to open conver[Pg 47]sation, under the circumstances; and, next second, he seemed to realize it, for his tone altered to one of less enthusiasm:
“But first it’s probably best for us to understand each other.”
He nodded for me to be seated, and resumed his own chair.
“Mr. Grey,” said he, “who is, or was, your employer in this case?”