human
A hard lead, a very hard point indeed! said Fell. He pocketed the paper again and regarded Gramont steadily as he returned the pencil.
gpt
Few men carry so hard a pencil, sir.
human
You're quite right, and Gramont smiled.
gpt
I borrowed this from Bob Maillard only a moment ago. Its hardness surprised me.
human
Oh! said Jachin Fell, mildly.
gpt
By the way, aren't you the Prince de Gramont? When we met this evening, you were introduced as plain Mr. Gramont, but it seems to me that I had heard something----
human
Quite a mistake, Mr. Fell. I'm no prince; simply Henry Gramont, and nothing more. Also, an American citizen. Some of these New Orleans people can't forget the prince business, most unfortunately.
gpt
Ah, yes, agreed Fell, shyly.
human
Do you know, a most curious thing----
gpt
Yes?
human
That paper you brought us--the paper which you found pinned to the library door, said Fell, apologetically.
gpt
Do you know, Mr. Gramont, that oddly enough there were no pin holes in that paper?
human
Not at all curious, he said, his voice level.
gpt
It was pinned rather stoutly--I tore off the portion bearing the message. I'll wager that you'll find the end of the paper still on the door downstairs. You might make certain that its torn edge fits that of the paper in your pocket; if it did not, then the fact _would_ be curious! I am most happy to have met you, Mr. Fell. I trust that we shall meet again, often.