Both men threw off their coats and turned up their shirt-cuffs. Malvano taking his seat in the centre of his chemical appliances, while his companion commenced work at the small side-table.
Nenci was smoking a cigarette when they entered, but at sign of the Doctor at once extinguished it.
“Have you given Gemma back her ring?” Malvano inquired as they sat down to work. The reason the Doctor always locked himself within that room was evident. He was making experiments in secret.
“Yes; I gave it her just before dinner,” the other answered.
“You cleaned it—eh?” the Doctor said, with a grim smile.
“Yes,” the other replied briefly.
“It seems a pity—a great pity!” Malvano exclaimed in a tone of regret. “Is there no other way?”
“None,” Nenci answered firmly. “She knows too much. Besides, I have suspicions.”
“Of what?”
“That she may play us false,” the sallow-faced man replied. “Remember, she still loves that man Armytage—the devil take him!”