"Yes, Chief; I would like that above all things."
"Very good. I'm expecting her here any minute, but—Well, what now? What's up?"
An officer had entered hurriedly after one quick knock.
"Mrs. Davis' lodger is gone," said he. "Left without a word to anybody. When they went to her room they found it empty, with a five-dollar bill pinned to the riddled cushion. As nobody saw her go, we are as much at sea as ever."
A smile, both curious and fine, crossed Mr. Gryce's lips as he listened to this, and turning earnestly to the Chief, he begged for the job of looking her up.
"I think with the little start we now have that I can find her," said he. "At all events, I should like to try."
"And let the other matter rest quiescent meanwhile?"
"If it will."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I hardly know myself, Chief. All is hazy yet, but skies clear, and so do most of our problems. If the two ends of my string should chance to come together——"