"Yes," he answered hoarsely. "Royce brought me word."
"And you came straight here?"
"Yes."
"And searched for her?"
"Where could I search? I was utterly at sea. I—I don't remember just what I did at first."
"But you didn't search the house nor the grounds?"
"Why should I have done that when Mrs. Lawrence had already done it thoroughly?" he demanded.
"True," I assented. After all, I had no right to shake his faith in her upon a mere suspicion.
"I was overwhelmed," he added. "I was too dazed to think. Royce said he'd wire for you. I'm glad he did, for I'm utterly unable to decide what to do. I should like you to advise me."
"Well, Mr. Curtiss," I said, "there's plainly only one thing to be done—that is, to find Miss Lawrence and demand an explanation from her own lips. Whether or not this is the wisest course, may be open to question—but if I were in your place, I think I'd do just as you are doing and take the risk."