The Red-Headed Man by Fergus Hume — Read

The Spaniard was even darker than is usual with people of his race; also he had an eagle nose and hair very straight, glossy and black. His eyes were large and brilliant, his mouth rather full and a trifle sensual, and his lean, alert figure was peculiarly straight and upright. Added to these advantages he wore a heavy black moustache, which he twirled at times with an insolent air; so that on the whole he was a remarkably handsome man. But there was something uncivilised about him -- a strange, wild look, which suggested the soldier of fortune. Probably he was what he represented himself to be -- a Peruvian gentleman serving as a captain in the army of the Republic; but to Torry -- who was well read for a man of his position -- he seemed like a buccaneer or filibuster. It was Captain Kidd in a frock-coat.

At the present moment he seemed much agitated, and, leaning on his stick with both hands, challenged the regard of Leighbourne and Torry. Vass had thrown himself into a chair, and, as his pale face testified, seemed to be overcome with consternation. On the unexpected surprise of this sudden arrival there ensued a short silence; so finding that no one spoke, Captain Manuel addressed himself to all three on the subject of the robbery.