The Englishman's penetrating gray eyes were difficult to avoid.
"You appear to know a good deal, Mr. Brand," Beratinsky said, somewhat sulkily. "Perhaps you can tell me where they are now?"
"I can tell you where they are not, and that is in London."
The other looked surprised, then suspicious.
"Oh, believe me or not, as you please: I only wish to save you trouble. I tell you that, to the best of my belief, Miss Lind and her mother are not in London, nor in this country even."
"How do you know?"
"Pardon me; you are going too far. I only tell you what I believe. In return, as I have saved you some trouble, I shall expect you to let me know if you hear anything about them. Is that too much to ask?"
"Then you really don't know where they are?" Beratinsky said, with a quick glance.
"I do not; but they have left London—that I know."
"I am very much obliged to you," said the other, more humbly. "I wish you good evening, Mr. Brand."