"I've no intention of telling on you. You can go to the devil in your own way for all I care. I'm after Janet——"
"She's not here——"
"That's what I'm going to find out." He opened the door of a wardrobe and another girl tumbled into his arms, shrieked, and flung herself face downward on the bed. But it was not Janet. He investigated every corner of the apartment and then returned to Clavering, slamming the door behind him.
"She's not there, Lee," he said, leaning heavily against the wall. "Where in God's name is she? I don't know where to look next. This is her particular gang. She has no other intimates that I know of. But what do I know about her, anyway?"
"You're sure she isn't hiding anywhere at home?"
"Searched the house from top to bottom."
"I suppose it isn't likely that she's gone to any of her aunts."
"Good Lord, no. She'd take a chance on mother, but never with any of the rest of the family, and she's got no money. I saw to that. D'you suppose she's roaming the streets?"
"Well, she can't roam long; legs will give out. Perhaps she's home by now or at Mrs. Oglethorpe's. Better telephone."
They went out and found a public telephone. Janet had not been seen nor heard from.