“Which crowd?” asked Manfred good-humouredly. He knew many “crowds,” and wondered if it was about one which was in his mind that the caller was speaking.
“The crowd I’m talking about,” said Mr. Barberton, who spoke with great deliberation and was evidently weighing every word he uttered for fear that he should involuntarily betray his secret.
That seemed to be an end of his requirements, for he rose and stood a little awkwardly, fumbling in his inside pocket.
“There is nothing to pay,” said Manfred, guessing his intention. “Perhaps, when we have located your Miss Mirabelle Leicester, we shall ask you to refund our out-of-pocket expenses.”
“I can afford to pay——” began the man.
“And we can afford to wait.” Again the gleam of amusement in the deep eyes.
Still Mr. Barberton did not move.
“There’s another thing I meant to ask you. You know all that’s happening in this country?”
“Not quite everything,” said the other with perfect gravity.
“Have you ever heard of the Four Just Men?”