"Mr. Copplestone is away, sir."
"Away...?"
"He left in the car early this morning, sir, without saying where he was going or when he would be back."
Monsieur Dupont was plainly staggered.
"Was he alone?"
"I do not know, sir."
"You do not know?"
"I did not see him leave, sir. He gave me my instructions in the library, and ordered me to remain there until he had gone."
Monsieur Dupont took a threatening step towards him.
"Where is Mr. Tranter?" he demanded, with sudden fierceness.