"If you're after local colour for your books, Aldous, I possibly may be able to assist you--if you're in town long." "Undoubtedly you could," said Aldous.

"I think you could tell me a great deal that I would like to know, Rann.

But--will you ?" There was a direct challenge in his coldly smiling eyes.
"Yes, I think I shall be quite pleased to do so," said Rann.
"Especially--if you are long in town." There was an odd emphasis on those last words.
He moved toward the door.
"And if you are here very long," he added, his eyes gleaming significantly, "it is possible you may have experiences of your own which would make very interesting reading if they ever got into print.

Good-night, Aldous!" For two or three minutes after Rann had gone Aldous loitered in the tobacco shop.

Then he went out.