“And my dear Miss Fulford,” said the detective, turning towards his female visitor; “it is, I am sure, very kind and good of you to come all this long distance to further the ends of justice, especially as you are at the present time not in your usual health.”
“I dunno care ’bout myself, sir,” returned Nell. “I would go to the end of the world to hunt down the vile wretch—who—who ha’ taken an innocent and honourable man’s life.”
“Certainly, of course, a very proper feeling—very proper indeed,” cried Wrench. “I wish everyone was of the same opinion as yourself, Miss Fulford.”
“And I am at your service, sir. Have you met with anybody—any suspected person?”
“Not at present. You will have to wait in this town till I have made all the inquiries necessary.”
“Ah!” murmured Nell, who was disappointed at not being engaged on active service at once.
Mr. Wrench conducted her to a lodging he had engaged, and told Joe that he was to remain with him.
Mr. Wrench’s first night in Liverpool was spent in examining a number of low lodging houses, which were used by tramps, thieves, and the lower class of itinerants.
He took with him Joe Doughty and a sergeant belonging to the constabulary of the town.
He was an experienced hand, and knew most of the habitations of this class.