Ezra P. Hipps shook his head gravely but his metallic blue eyes never shifted their gaze for an instant.
"Tony boy," he said. "The price isn't solely financial. There's a little physical programme in the skyline. Get me?"
"Sounds like a threat."
"And is," came the rejoinder.
"Interesting."
The American took three steps forward and leant across the table.
"For example," he said, "you smoke too much and smoking'll be curtailed."
With a quick movement he plucked the cigarette from Richard's mouth and threw it into the grate.
A dull red surged over Richard's face as he sprang to his feet.
"I warn you——" he began, then checked himself at the sudden memory of
Cranbourne's words. He was not allowed to put up a fight.