The speaker was sparring for time.  His brain was not yet normal, but it was clearing rapidly.  He saw this was no ordinary man he had to deal with, no ordinary circumstance; and his plan of campaign was unevolved.

“I fail to see why,” he continued.

“Do you?” said Ben, quietly.

Sidwell lit a cigar nonchalantly and smoked for a moment in silence.

“Yes,” he reiterated.  “I fail to see why.  To have made you an enemy implies that I have done you an injury, and I recall no way in which I could have offended you.”

Ben indicated Hough with a nod of his head.  “Do you wish a third party to hear what we have to say?” he inquired.

Sidwell looked at the questioner narrowly.  Deep in his heart he was thankful that they two were not alone.  He did not like the look in the countryman’s blue eyes.

“Mr. Hough,” he said with dignity, “is a friend of mine.  If either of you must leave the room, most assuredly it will not be he.”  His eyes returned to those of the visitor, held there with an effort.  “By the bye,” he challenged, “what is it we have to say, anyway?  So far as I can see, there’s no point where we touch.”

Ben returned the gaze steadily.  “Absolutely none?” he asked.

“Absolutely none.”  Sidwell spoke with an air of finality.

The countryman leaned a bit forward and rested his elbow upon his knee, his chin upon his hand.

“Suppose I suggest a point then:  Miss Florence Baker.”

Sidwell stiffened with exaggerated dignity.  “I never discuss my relations with a lady, even with a friend.  I should be less apt to do so in speaking with a stranger.”

The lids of Ben’s eyes tightened just a shade.  “Then I’ll have to ask you to make an exception to the rule,” he said slowly.

“In that case,” Sidwell responded quickly, “I’ll refuse.”

For a moment silence fell.  Through the open window came the ceaseless drone of the shifting multitude on the street below.

“Nevertheless, I insist,” said Ben, calmly.

Sidwell’s face flushed, although he was quite sober now.  “And I must still refuse,” he said, rising.  “Moreover, I must request that you leave the room.  You forget that you are in my home!”

Ben arose calmly and walked to the door through which he had entered.  The key was in the lock, and turning it he put it in his pocket.  Still without haste he returned to his seat.

“That this is your home, and that you were its dictator before I came and will be after I leave, I do not contest,” he said; “but temporarily the place has changed hands.  I do not think you were quite in earnest when you refused to talk with me.”

For answer, Sidwell jerked a cord beside the table.  A bell rang vigorously in the rear of the apartments, and the big negro hurried into the room.

“Alec,” directed the master, “call a policeman at once!  At once—­do you hear?”