Page:William Le Queux - The Czar's Spy.djvu/79

 CHAPTER VII

INTRODUCES MR. WOODROFFE

NEITHER of us spoke. Equally surprised at the unexpected encounter, we stood facing each other dumfounded.

Hornby started quickly as soon as his eyes fell upon me, and his face became blanched to the lips, while Muriel Leithcourt, quick to notice the sudden change in him, rose and introduced us in us calm a voice as she could command.

"I don't think you are acquainted," she said to me with a smile. "This is Mr. Martin Woodroffe — Mr. Gordon Gregg."

I bowed to him in sudden resolve to remain silent in pretence that I doubted whether the man before me was actually my host of the Lola. I intended to act is though I was not sufficiently convinced to openly express my doubt. Therefore we bowed, exchanging greetings as strangers, while, carefully watching, I saw how greatly the minds of both were relieved. They shot meaning glances at each other, and then, as though reinsured that I was mystified and uncertain, the man who called himself Woodroffe explained to my companion —