"You are certain that Prentice could not have left Newhaven unnoticed, yet her Ladyship managed to do so! How do you account for that?"
The detective paused a moment and looked fixedly at Cyril.
"Her Ladyship had a very powerful protector, my lord," he finally said.
"A protector! Who?"
Again the detective did not reply immediately.
"It's no use beating about the bush, my lord, I know everything."
"Well then, out with it," cried Cyril impatiently. "What are you hesitating for? Have you found her Ladyship or have you not?"
"I have, my lord."
"You have! Then why on earth didn't you tell me at once? Where is she?" cried Cyril.
There was a pause during which the detective regarded Cyril through narrowed lids.