“I have decided that it is better this time to do our business face to face. I don't want to trust messengers on this affair, and even cipher notes are dangerous,—confoundedly dangerous.”
Then we had not been close acquaintances.
“Oh, by the way, you have that other cipher yet, haven't you?” he asked.
“No, I burnt it,” I said unblushingly.
“That's right,” he said. “It was best not to take risks. Of course you understand that it won't do for us to be seen together.”
“Certainly not,” I assented.
“I have arranged for another office. Here's the address. Yours is Room 15. I have the key to 17, and 16 is vacant between with a 'To Let' sign on it. They open into each other. You understand?”
“Perfectly,” I said.
“You will be there by nine o'clock for your orders. If you get none by twelve, there will be none for the day.”
“If I can't be there, I'll let you know.” I was off my guard for a moment, thinking of the possible demands of Henry's unknown employer.