The Misses Santander could certainly count themselves fortunate: at eleven o’clock Mr. Hancq arrived, charming as always, with outstretched hands and warm wishes for their prosperity. He delivered an elaborate speech full of compliments, which they listened to smiling, visibly flattered and admiring. Then he drew something from the back pocket of his fur-lined winter coat: a revolver!
He took it from a black lacquered case and, instead of handing it to either sister, laid it triumphantly on the tabletop, as though he had performed some heroic deed.
The polished steel flashed joyfully in the morning sun...