"None whatever," said Mr. Jarney, turning again to him.
"It is strange," said John. "Where is the chauffeur?"
"Why, that rascal was off his seat, and a stranger is supposed to have driven the car away," replied Mr. Jarney. "Beg your pardon, Mr. Winthrope, in my distraction I have so far forgotten myself to fail to introduce you to Mrs. Jarney." This formality being then dispensed with, although John had already struck up a conversation with that lady, Mr. Jarney said. "Mr. Winthrope, I have called you here to lead a searching party for their recovery."
"Oh, Mr. Winthrope," wailed the little lady; "I hope you can find them this night."
Just then a maid came rushing in with the information that Mr. Jarney was expressly wanted at the telephone.
"It has been ringing all evening, and to no purpose," said Mr. Jarney, impatiently; "answer it."
The maid retreated; but in a moment she returned again with the further information that a lady was at the other end of the line, and wanted especially to see Mr. Jarney, as the maid put it.
Mr. Jarney begged John to accompany him to the phone room of his residence, and, when the former took down the receiver, he made the following replies to the voice at the other end:
"Hello! This is Mr. Jarney!"
"Yes; this is he."