When the door opened I was bending over the stove trying to get a light for my pipe.
It was Gaudian, to bid me join him and Stumm in his study.
On our way there he put a kindly hand on my shoulder.

I think he thought I was bullied by Stumm and wanted to tell me that he was my friend, and he had no other language than a pat on the back.
The soldier was in his old position with his elbows on the mantelpiece and his formidable great jaw stuck out.
'Listen to me,' he said.

'Herr Gaudian and I are inclined to make use of you.

You may be a charlatan, in which case you will be in the devil of a mess and have yourself to thank for it.

If you are a rogue you will have little scope for roguery.