Mr.Screw had a profound knowledge of mankind, and he immediately determined upon his course of action, which should be cautious, but at the same time honest and straightforward.

After a preliminary exchange of civilities, he opened fire.
"I have come on very delicate business, Dr.Claudius," said he; and he hooked one leg behind the other as he sat and ran his hands through his hair.

Claudius settled himself in his chair and waited, not having any idea what the business might be.
"You will readily understand," continued Mr.Screw, "that in my position I feel obliged to take every conceivable precaution in administering the estate of the late Mr.Lindstrand.You will, therefore, not be offended at what I am going to say.

My personality has nothing to do with it, nor can any personal impression you produce upon me, no matter how favourable, be considered in the light of evidence.

I have never seen you before, and I am bound to say that the little I know of you, although perfectly satisfactory as far as it goes, is not sufficient to prove in a court that you are really the person indicated in Mr.
Lindstrand's will." Here Mr.Screw paused to see how Claudius would take the hint that more evidence was required.
But Claudius, the embodiment of calm strength, intellectual and physical, was not to be moved by such trifles.