The arrival of a perspiring cabman in a red waistcoat and glazed hat caused him to retire within and administer to the newcomer's needs.
"One of my reasons for looking you up," said Sypher, "was to make my apologies." "Apologies ?" "Yes.

Haven't you thought about the book on guns and wondered at not hearing from me ?" "No," said Septimus.

"When I've invented a thing the interest has gone.
I've just invented a new sighting apparatus.

I'll show you the model if you'll come to the hotel." Sypher looked at his watch and excused himself on the ground of business engagements.

Then he had to dine and start by the nine o'clock train.
"Anyhow," said he, "I'm ashamed at not having done anything with the guns.
I did show the proofs to a naval expert, but he made all sorts of criticisms which didn't help.