Page:Marsh--The seen and the unseen.djvu/75

Rh Then the major drew himself up in a manner which seemed intended to impress the beholders with the fact of what a very remarkable man he was. He threw his frock-coat open, and he thrust his thumbs into the armholes of his waistcoat. "There is another question which I wish to ask you, Solly. Have you ever been photographed?"

"Do you mean in prison?"

"No—I am aware that you have been photographed in prison." The major glinted at the doctor out of the comer of his eyes. "I mean outside—before you came to prison?"

"Certainly—several times."

"You will understand, Solly, that you are in no way bound to answer the questions which I am putting to you now. I am only asking them for my own private satisfaction. But have you any objection to tell me whether any difficulty has been experienced in taking your photograph?"

"Difficulty? In what way?"

"In any way. Have the photographs which have been taken of you been satisfactory?"

Solly smiled, a little faintly.

"Perfectly; indeed, I have understood that I am rather a good subject than otherwise. May I ask why you inquire?"

"I ask because the photographs which have been taken of you in the prison have not been satisfactory. That will do; you can take the man away. I am glad that he has no complaint to make."

When Solly had departed the major turned to the doctor.

"I believe, Dr. Livermore, that you are an amateur