Conrad Vail was silent, evaluating this, and then he slapped his knees suddenly and stood up.
“You’re right, Lieutenant! Leaving the seat in that position was a flagrant, blunder. As you said, it’s really incredible.”
“But fortunate for me. At least, I know that I am looking for a small man.”
“Physically small, you mean.”
“Do I? Perhaps I do.”
“Yes. And you will no doubt want to get on with your looking. I won’t keep you, Lieutenant. I’ll be interested in seeing how successful you are.”
“So will I.”
“Can you let yourself out?”
“Of course. I know the way.”
Conrad Vail retrieved Marcus’ hat and coat, and held the coat while Marcus slipped into it.
“By the way, Lieutenant,” he said, “I wonder if you would do me a service before you leave?”
“If I can.”
“Just hand me that Life of Napoleon from the upper shelf there. I’m too short to reach it.”
Having done the service, Lieutenant Marcus let himself out, figuratively carrying in his pocket the gauntlet that Vail had flung down.
