So the Cynic descended on the Seer, and the Seer listened, drank, smoked thoughtfully, looked covertly at the two girls, then rose and approached us. With a shock of pity I saw that one of his legs was shorter than the other, and terminated in a club foot. Otherwise he was splendidly developed, and had one of the deepest bass voices I have ever heard.
“Well, old man, alone as usual.”
Somewhat self-conscious and embarrassed, Helstern spoke rather stiffly.
“My dear Lorrimer, much as I appreciate your charming society there are moments when I prefer to be alone.”
“Oh, I understand. Great thoughts incubated in silence. Own up now, weren’t you thinking in nations?”
“As it happens,” answered the Seer in his grave, penetrating tones, “I was thinking in nations. As a matter of fact I was listening to the conversation of two Englishmen near me.”
He paused to light his pipe carefully, then went on in that deep, deliberate voice.
“They were talking of International Peace—fools!”
“Oh, come now! You believe in International Peace?”
He stared gloomily into the bowl of his pipe.