He handed me a small yellow slip and I read:
“The steward left Mr. Fairbrother at El Moro. He has not heard from him since.
“ANNETTA LA SERRA
“For Abner Fairbrother.”
“At El Moro?” I cried. “Why, that was long enough ago.”
“For him to have reached New York before the murder. Exactly so, if he took advantage of every close connection.”
XIV.
TRAPPED
I caught my breath sharply. I did not say anything. I felt that I did not understand the inspector sufficiently yet to speak. He seemed to be pleased with my reticence. At all events, his manner grew even kinder as he said:
“This Sears is a witness we must have. He is being looked for now, high and low, and we hope to get some clue to his whereabouts before night. That is, if he is in this city. Meanwhile, we are all glad—I am sure you are also—to spare so distinguished a gentleman as Mr. Grey the slightest annoyance.”
“And Mr. Durand? What of him in this interim?”