As he did so, Simon entered. "The two men are here, sir," he said. "I have told them you are quite alone. Shall I show them in?" CHAPTER XXVII THE FOUR FACES They were quietly dressed, inoffensive-looking men, one a good deal younger than the other. Judged by their clothes and general appearance they might have been gentlemen's servants or superior shop-assistants. Directly they saw that I was not alone, the elder, whose age was fifty or so, said, in a tense voice: "We wish to see you alone, Mr. Berrington. Our business is quite private." "You can talk openly before this gentleman," I answered, for, at a glance from me, Albeury had remained in the room. "What do you want to see me about?" "In private, please, Mr. Berrington," he repeated doggedly, not heeding my question. "Either you speak to me in this gentleman's presence," I answered, controlling my irritation, "or not at all. What do you want?" They hesitated for barely an instant, and I thought my firmness had disconcerted them, when suddenly I saw them exchange a swift glance. The younger man stepped quickly back to the door, which was close behind him, and, without turning, locked it. As he did so his companion sprang to one side with a sharp cry. Albeury had him covered with a revolver. The younger man had already slipped his hand into his pocket, when I sprang upon him. Though some years have passed since I practised ju-jitsu, I have not forgotten the different holds. In a moment I had his arms locked behind him—had he attempted to struggle then he must have broken his wrists. Turning, I saw that Albeury had the other man still at his mercy with the revolver—not for an instant did he look away from him. I was about to call loudly to Simon to call the police, when the elder man spoke. "Stop!" he gasped, just above a whisper. "You have done us. Give us a chance to escape and well help you." "Help me! How?" I said, still gripping my man tightly. "What have you come for? What did you want?" "We're under orders—so help me, we are!" he exclaimed huskily. "We had at any cost to see you." "And for that you bribed my man, or tried to?" "Yes—to let us see you alone." Albeury's arm, extended with the cocked revolver, was as rigid as a rock. The muzzle covered the man's chest. Again the man glanced swiftly at the detective, then went on, speaking quickly: "If you'll let us go, we'll tell everything—anything you want to know!" I glanced an inquiry at Albeury. Though his gaze was still set upon his man, he caught my look. "Right—we'll let you go," he said, without moving, "if you'll tell us everything. Now speak. Why are you here?"