“Well, Mr. Jakyl, you have acted in a very proper manner. I hope his lordship is of my opinion.”
“I am,” returned the earl, with undisguised pleasure. “I think Jakyl has been most prudent. To say the truth, I have always had the greatest confidence in him.”
The butler bowed, and hardly knew how to comport himself under the praise which was so lavished on him.
“I must tell you frankly, Mr. Jakyl,” said the detective, “that I am engaged in instituting a rigorous search for your master’s daughter; so if it be in your power to give me any information which may aid me in my inquiries, it will be a boon to us all.”
“I wish I could, sir.”
“Well, not now. I don’t mean at present, but if anything occurs to you, out with it at once.”
“I will.”
“Now, my friend, let me have the letters without further delay.”
The butler looked again at his master.
“Fetch them at once, Jakyl. You have heard what Mr. Wrench has said. The matter is in his hands.”