As it happened, most of Kara's valuable and confidential possessions were at the bank. In a fret of panic and at considerable cost he had the safe removed and another put in its place of such potency that the makers offered to indemnify him against any loss from burglary.
T. X. finished his work, washed his hands, and was drying them when Mansus came bursting into the room. It was not usual for Mansus to burst into anywhere. He was a slow, methodical, painstaking man, with a deliberate and an official, manner.
“What's the matter?” asked T. X. quickly.
“We didn't search Vassalaro's lodgings,” cried Mansus breathlessly. “It just occurred to me as I was coming over Westminster Bridge. I was on top of a bus—”
“Wake up!” said T. X. “You're amongst friends and cut all that 'bus' stuff out. Of course we searched Vassalaro's lodgings!”
“No, we didn't, sir,” said the other triumphantly. “He lived in Great James Street.”
“He lived in the Adelphi,” corrected T. X.
“There were two places where he lived,” said Mansus.
“When did you learn this?” asked his Chief, dropping his flippancy.
“This morning. I was on a bus coming across Westminster Bridge, and there were two men in front of me, and I heard the word 'Vassalaro' and naturally I pricked up my ears.”