CHAPTER XXVII
THE FOUR FACES
They were quietly dressed, inoffensive-looking men, one a good deal younger than the other. Judged by their clothes and general appearance they might have been gentlemen’s servants or superior shop-assistants. Directly they saw that I was not alone, the elder, whose age was fifty or so, said, in a tense voice:
“We wish to see you alone, Mr. Berrington. Our business is quite private.”
“You can talk openly before this gentleman,” I answered, for, at a glance from me, Albeury had remained in the room. “What do you want to see me about?”
“In private, please, Mr. Berrington,” he repeated doggedly, not heeding my question.
“Either you speak to me in this gentleman’s presence,” I answered, controlling my irritation, “or not at all. What do you want?”
They hesit
