“Yes, sir, I work for her at times.”
“Ah, just so. Do you happen to know if she has had a gentleman named Crowdace lodging at her house?”
The woman shook her head.
“I never heard the name before,” said she.
“And you don’t know, I suppose, whether there is anyone of that name lodging in the same street?”
“Well, sir, not as I’ve overheard. There may be, but its unbeknown to me, if there is.”
“My object is simply this. A gentleman of that name is missing, and his friends are anxious to ascertain something about him.”
“Ah, I’m sorry I can’t tell you.”
“Will you be kind enough to make inquiries in the neighbourhood for me? If you succeed you will be handsomely rewarded.”
“I’ll do my best.”