When Dan reached the room he found three gentlemen awaiting him, all
strange faces to the robber. The eldest of the three, as he came in,
pointed to a chair, and with commanding brevity and in a tone which
indicated that he was used to being obeyed, told him to sit down.

The full glare of the light streaming in through the window fell full
upon his face, while the remainder of the party, their faces turned
toward him, were comparatively in the shadow, thus having him at a
disadvantage. As was before remarked, Moriarity possessed a certain
amount of bull courage, and seeing he was in for it, and feeling that he
was to be put through the sweating process he sat erect in his chair,
his lips compressed and his whole demeanor that of a cornered man
determined to fight.

Mr. Pinkerton saw that and with courteous suavity inquired, "Is this Mr.
Moriarity?"

"What's the use of asking me; you know well enough who I am," replied
Dan, in short, curt syllables.

"Of course, of course; but I thought I might be mistaken."

"Well, you aren't."

"Now, Mr. Moriarity, I think if you are inclined to you can get yourself
out of this scrape."

"Ya-as, I suppose so.