“Nothing reported by Miller, sir.”
Only when the men had finished an excellent meal of gravy soup and fried chicken did Pointer hold out his hand for any cables from the Canadian police.
There were two. The first one ran:
“Toronto. John Carter, assistant manager of the Amalgamated Silk Mills of this town. Served in the war. Promoted Sergeant. Had local reputation of trustworthy man, but disappeared July fifteenth, together with Manager Robert Erskine. Warrant out for both men issued July eighteenth for embezzlement of the Amalgamated's funds.”
This was quite along the lines Pointer had expected. He opened the second. It ran:
“Robert Erskine, Scotsman. Came Toronto seven years ago from Calgary as Manager of Amalgamated Silk Mills. Invested twenty thousand in Mills. Did well at first. Gone downhill since war. In hands of money-lenders. Disappeared June fifteenth, together with Assistant Manager John Carter. Warrant issued June eighteenth against both men for embezzlement of the Amalgamated's funds to amount not yet ascertained.”
Both cables were signed by the Toronto Police Commissioner.
Watts had already seen them when the Assistant Commissioner at the Yard had sent them in. As no comment was made he ventured on one himself. “It looks very bad for the partner Cox, or Carter, doesn't it, sir?”
Pointer looked at him with the filmy eyes of deep thought. “Think so? Possibly.”
“What do you think, Mr. O'Connor?”