At five o'clock he took a cab, and went off to Waymark's lodgings in Chelsea. Here he learned that Waymark had left home at the usual time, and had not yet returned. Just as he was speaking with the landlady at the door, another gentleman came up on the same errand. Mr. Woodstock remembered Julian Casti, and held out his hand to him. Casti looked ill; his handsome features had wasted, and his fair complexion was turned to a dull, unhealthy, yellowish hue. It was a comparatively warm day for the season, but his thin frame was closely muffled up, and still he seemed to be shrinking under the air.
"Have you any idea where he can be?" Mr. Woodstock asked, as they turned away together.
"None whatever. I must see him to-night, though, if possible."
"Ha! And I too."
As he spoke Mr. Woodstock looked at the other keenly, and something seemed to suggest itself to him.
"I'm going to see if he's been for the rents as usual. Would you care to come with me?"
Julian looked surprised, but assented. They got into the cab together, and alighted at the end of Litany Lane, having scarcely spoken on the way. Inquiries here showed that the collector had gone his rounds, and departed, it was said, in the ordinary way.
"Have you an hour to spare, Mr. Casti?" asked the old gentleman, turning suddenly after a moment's reflection.
"Certainly."
"Then I wish you'd just come on with me to St. John's Street Road. It's possible you may have it in your power to do me a great service, if Waymark doesn't turn up. And yet, ten to one, I shall find him waiting for me. Never mind, come along if you can spare the time; you'll find him the sooner."