Читать книгу The Ostrekoff Jewels онлайн

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"They are bringing us something to drink, I hope, directly," Haven remarked.

Patinsky bowed.

"It will give me great pleasure," he said, "to drink a glass of wine with an American. I should tell you that I have been in New York myself."

Once more the panel rumbled back and Alexis made discreet entrance. He carried a large tray and arranged silently upon the table a bottle of red wine, a flask of vodka, some Scotch whisky, water and glasses. There was a faint gleam of uneasiness in Patinsky's eyes as he watched him.

"The Little Master has further orders?" Alexis enquired.

Haven shook his head. The panel door rumbled back into its place. In less than a minute the ranger's heavy footsteps were perambulating the terrace outside.

The two men both drank whisky. Patinsky, to his host's astonishment, filled his own tumbler three quarters full, then added a little water.

"The habit of whisky," he explained, "I acquired in England. For three years I was there to learn the language."

"You speak it all right," Haven observed.