"A singular story, sir," said Philpott, "about as good as anything that's come my way up to now. I always told mother there was something out of the common about you. That Mr. Chaytor must be an out-and-outer--as cunning as they make 'em now-a-days. It's as well you should have a man like me with you. I know the ropes; you don't. Let's get to the office, sir. I must give 'em notice I'm going away on an important job. Luckily there's nothing very particular on hand just now." This preliminary was soon accomplished, and Basil and his companions arrived at Waterloo Station a few minutes before the train started for Bournemouth. On the road it was arranged that Basil should go alone to Mrs. Crawford's house.
"The woman might be frightened," said Philpott, "at three men coming to make inquiries. To a gentleman like you she will be open and frank."
Leaving Old Corrie and Philpott on the beach, Basil walked to Lomax Road, the number of the house in which Mrs. Crawford lived being 14, as he was informed by an obliging resident. He lingered outside, and looked up at the windows for signs of the magpie, but no sound reached his ears, and with somewhat of a despondent feeling he knocked at the door. So much depended upon the next few minutes! If he should have to leave Mrs. Crawford unsatisfied, without a clue to guide him, he would be no further advanced than on the day he first set foot in London. All he wanted was a starting point, and he vowed to leave no stone unturned to obtain it, and that once he gained it, he would follow it up till it led him to the end. The door was opened, and a decent-looking woman stood before him.
"Mrs. Crawford?" he said.
"Yes, sir."
"I wish to speak to you upon a subject very dear to me; I can offer no other excuse for intruding upon you."
"There was an unconscious wistfulness in his voice, which interested Mrs. Crawford. There is no surer way of winning a woman's sympathies than by appealing to them in some such way as this, and making them understand it is in their power to assist you.
"Are you a Bournemouth gentleman, sir?" asked Mrs. Crawford.
"No, I have never been in Bournemouth before to-day. I have travelled a long distance to see you."
"Will you walk in, sir?"