Everything about him was clear cut and precise.

He had a habit of clicking his teeth as he finished a sentence.

In a word, when he appeared in the doorway Lee Hardy woke up, and before the stranger had spoken a dozen words the agent was leaning forward to be sure that he would not miss a syllable.
"You're Lee Hardy, aren't you ?" said he, and his eyes gave the impression of a smile, though his lips did not stir after speaking.
"I am," said the agent.
"Then you're the man I want to see.

If you don't mind--" He closed the door, pulled a chair against it, and then sat down, and folded his arms.

Very obviously he meant business.