“It was rather square in profile; a Wellington nose, but with a rather broad base. Like a vulture’s beak, and very large.”
“Was it actually a hook-nose? I mean, had it a drooping tip?”
“Yes, the tip projected downwards and it was rather sharp—not bulbous.”
“And the chin? Should you call it a pronounced or a retreating chin?”
“Oh, it was quite a projecting chin, rather of the Wellington type.”
Thorndyke reflected once more; then, having jotted down the answers to his questions, he closed the book and returned it to his pocket.
“It is a great thing to have a trained eye,” he remarked. “In your one glance you saw more than an ordinary person would have noted in a leisurely inspection in a good light. You have no doubt that you would know this man again if you should meet him?”
“Not the slightest,” she replied, with a shudder. “I can see him now if I shut my eyes.”
“Well,” he rejoined, with a smile, “I wouldn’t recall that unpleasant vision too often, if I were you. And now, may I, without disturbing you further, just take a look round the premises?”
“But, of course, Dr. Thorndyke,” she replied. “Do exactly what you please.”