But Culver Rann sat like a rock.
His face expressed nothing.

Not for the smallest part of a second had he betrayed any emotion that might be throbbing within him.

In spite of himself Aldous admired the man's unflinching nerve.
"Good evening, gentlemen!" he repeated.
Then Rann leaned slowly forward over the table.

One hand rose to his moustache.

It was his right hand.