“That was my son, I'll wager. He knows where the girl is. Perhaps he's with her now. Maybe he's going to marry her. That must be prevented at any cost. Sergeant, find that Rossmore girl and I'll give you $1,000.”
The detective's face flushed with pleasure at the prospect of so liberal a reward. Rising he said:
“I'll find her, sir. I'll find her.”
Mr. Bagley entered, wearing the solemn, important air he always affected when he had to announce a visitor of consequence. But before he could open his mouth Mr. Ryder said:
“Bagley, when did you see my son, Jefferson, last?”
“To-day, sir. He wanted to see you to say good-bye. He said he would be back.”
Ryder gave a sigh of relief and addressing the detective said:
“It's not so bad as I thought.” Then turning again to his secretary he asked:
“Well, Bagley, what is it?”