But Lauriston's attention was mainly directed to the two men who stood
behind the bar-counter, superintending and directing their neat
assistants. Sly, smooth, crafty men--so they had been described by Mr.
Mori Yada: Lauriston's opinion coincided with that of the Japanese, on
first, outer evidence and impression. They were middle-aged, plump men who
might be, and probably were, twins, favouring mutton chop whiskers, and
good linen and black neckcloths--they might have been strong, highly-
respectable butlers. Each had his coat off; each wore a spotless linen
apron; each wielded carving knives and forks; each was busy in carving
plates of ham or tongue or beef; each contrived, while thus engaged, to
keep his sharp, beady eyes on the doings in the room in front of the
counter. Evidently a well-to-do, old-established business, this, and
highly prosperous men who owned it: Lauriston wondered that they should
run any risks by hiding away a secret opium den somewhere on their ancient
premises.
In the midst of their reflections one of the waitresses came to the table
at which the two friends sat: Lauriston quicker of wit than Purdie in such
matters immediately ordered coffee and sandwiches and until they came,
lighted a cigarette and pretended to be at ease, though he was inwardly
highly excited.
Pages:
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340