That Hogan was not afraid of him, was because it was not in Hogan's nature to be afraid of anyone.

But he realized at least that he had cause to be, and at the present moment it occurred to him that it would be passing sweet to find a flaw in the old Puritan's armour.

If the package were harmless his having opened it was still a matter that the discharge of his duty would sanction.

Thus he reasoned; and he resolved to break the seal and make himself master of the contents of that letter.
Hogan's unpleasant laugh startled Kenneth.

It suggested to him that perhaps, after all, his delay was by no means at an end; that Hogan suspected him of something--he could not think of what.
Then in a flash an idea came to him.
"May I speak to you privately for a moment, Captain Hogan ?" he inquired in such a tone of importance--imperiousness, almost--that the Irishman was impressed by it.