"Not a doubt about it, sir; he's properly got the wind up," said the sergeant, disregarding the behest.
There was a pause. Then Amberley transferred his attention to the telephone. "You may be right, Sergeant. Did you ask whether any clothes were missing from his rooms?"
"I did, sir. Mr. Fountain said he didn't think so, but couldn't say for certain."
"Any car or bicycle missing from the garage?"
"Yes, sir; his own push-bike. Mr. Fountain had that from the butler."
"I see. You'll have to notify Carchester, I suppose. Tell them from me to find out whether Collins took a ticket for town, or elsewhere, from any of the stations within, say, a ten-mile radius, after half-past eight this evening. If so, follow him up. Meanwhile by the time you get here I shall be ready."
"By the time I do what, sir?" asked the sergeant, startled.
"Get here," repeated Mr. Amberley maliciously. "On your bicycle. Immediately."
"Me come out to Greythorne at this hour?" gasped the sergeant. "What would I do that for?"
"To pick me up. I'll have the car waiting."