"'Lost, stolen or strayed'—is that how you begin?"
"If you ask me," said the Chief Constable, "I'd put him down as 'Missing.' It's more usual."
"'Missing,' then. 'On the night of May 2nd—'"
"From your house."
"Must that go in?" Mr. Basket pleaded.
"If you want to put yourself right with the public."
"Yes, yes—'from The Retreat, East Hoe, the residence of E. Basket, Esq., on the night of May 2nd, between the hours of 7 and 11 p.m., a Gentleman—'"
Mr. Basket paused.
"We must describe him," said the Doctor.
"I am coming to that. 'A Gentleman, answering to the name of Hymen—'"