As it was not the first time that he did this, Michaelis could not have the slightest suspicion of anything unusual.

For the rest, Sir Ethelred, the indignation of this man Verloc had left nothing in doubt--nothing whatever.

He had been driven out of his mind almost by an extraordinary performance, which for you or me it would be difficult to take as seriously meant, but which produced a great impression obviously on him." The Assistant Commissioner then imparted briefly to the great man, who sat still, resting his eyes under the screen of his hand, Mr Verloc's appreciation of Mr Vladimir's proceedings and character.

The Assistant Commissioner did not seem to refuse it a certain amount of competency.
But the great personage remarked: "All this seems very fantastic." "Doesn't it?
One would think a ferocious joke.

But our man took it seriously, it appears.