‘Mr. Balandin, I understand?’ said Konrad, when the man did not turn around. Had he not heard Konrad come in?
‘Aye,’ said Balandin in a low growl, still without moving. ‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Savast.’
‘Are you? But you haven’t, precisely, so I must ask what you are doing in my library.’
‘I would have preferred a decent parlour myself,’ said Balandin, turning about at last. ‘Your butler had other ideas.’
‘I’m afraid you did not present a very promising appearance,’ said Konrad, and found himself surveyed with the same keen curiosity with which he was examining Balandin. The man had the weathered face of one given to striding about outdoors a great deal, and could not be below forty-five or so years of age. He stood with proud posture and even a faint air of menace;
