He had meant business, as he termed it, the next morning, but on presenting himself at the chief office, one of his superiors sent for him, and announced an important task.
“Extradition, eh, sir? America?”
“Yes. Cross at once; put yourself in communication with the New York police, and then spare no expense. He must be found.”
“When shall I start, sir?”
“Now.”
Mr Linnett did start now, saying to himself as he entered a carriage for Liverpool:
“Well, they didn’t set me the job. It was my own doing, and the news will keep.”
So it came about that one morning, when he presented himself at the Dark House, he was saluted by Mr Preenham with:
“Why, how do you do? We thought we’d quite lost you, Mr Linnett, sir. You look quite brown.”
“I’ve been pretty well all over America since I saw you, Mr Preenham, and now, sir, just go and give them my card and say I want to see them on very particular business.”