And I'll have Driver in
here, and Portlethwaite, too; we'll see if he knows which is which of the
three of us. I'll go and prepare them."
He returned presently with his partner, a quiet, elderly man; a few
minutes later Portlethwaite, evidently keenly interested, joined them.
They and Mr. Pawle began to discuss certain legal matters connected
with the immediate business, and Viner purposely withdrew to a corner
of the room, intent on silently watching whatever followed on the
arrival of the visitors. A quarter of an hour later Methley was shown
into the room, and the five men gathered there turned with one accord
to look at his companion, a tall, fresh-coloured, slightly grey-haired
man of distinctly high-bred appearance, who, Viner saw at once, was
much more self-possessed and assured in manner than any of the men who
rose to meet him.
"My client, Mr. Cave, who claims to be Earl of Ellingham," said Methley,
by way of introduction. "Mr. Car--"
But the other man smiled quietly and immediately assumed a lead.
"There is no need of introduction, Mr. Methley," he said. "I remember all
three gentlemen perfectly! Mr.
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