coming to the house for I was afraid it would upset Grace. What
made it all the more ridiculous was this infernal pistol which was
in my pocket banging against my side with every step I took as
though to nudge me to an understanding of my folly."

"Where did you meet Vassalaro?" asked T. X.

"He was on the other side of the Eastbourne Road and crossed the
road to meet me. At first he was very pleasant though a little
agitated but afterward he began to behave in a most extraordinary
manner as though he was lashing himself up into a fury which he
didn't feel. I promised him a substantial amount on account, but
he grew worse and worse and then, suddenly, before I realised what
he was doing, he was brandishing a revolver in my face and
uttering the most extraordinary threats. Then it was I remembered
Kara's warning."

"Kara," said T. X. quickly.

"A man I know and who was responsible for introducing me to
Vassalaro. He is immensely wealthy."

"I see," said T. X., "go on."

"I remembered this warning," the other proceeded, "and I thought
it worth while trying it out to see if it had any effect upon the
little man. I pulled the pistol from my pocket and pointed it at
him, but that only seemed to make it - and then I pressed the
trigger . . . .