"We haven't had time to be dull for the last three years," added plain
Mr. Jones, his eyes fixed darkly on Schomberg whom he further more
invited to have another drink, this time with him, and not to worry
himself about things he did not understand; and especially not to be
inhospitable--which in a hotel-keeper is highly unprofessional.
"I don't understand," grumbled Schomberg. "Oh, yes, I understand
perfectly well. I--"
"You are frightened," interrupted Mr. Jones. "What is the matter?"
"I don't want any scandal in my place. That's what's the matter."
Schomberg tried to face the situation bravely, but that steady, black
stare affected him. And when he glanced aside uncomfortably, he met
Ricardo's grin uncovering a lot of teeth, though the man seemed absorbed
in his thoughts all the time.
"And, moreover," went on Mr. Jones in that distant tone of his, "you
can't help yourself. Here we are and here we stay. Would you try to
put us out? I dare say you could do it; but you couldn't do it without
getting hurt--very badly hurt. We can promise him that, can't we,
Martin?"
The secretary retracted his lips and looked up sharply at Schomberg, as
if only too anxious to leap upon him with teeth and claws.
Schomberg managed to produce a deep laugh.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Mr Jones closed his eyes wearily, as if the light hurt them, and looked
remarkably like a corpse for a moment.
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