"I'm afraid so," I said. "Have you an employee named Freer, an expert on pearls."
"I had until a few days ago."
An exclamation of disappointment escaped me.
"What's the matter with Freer?" he asked.
"I suppose you don't know where he is?"
"On his way back to Holland, I suppose. He came from there ten years ago. Why?"
"One more question first. I am assuming that you know that a certain famous necklace of blue pearls has been stolen?"
"Mount's pearls? Certainly. Everybody in the trade was advised."
"You are sure Freer knew?"
"Certainly. It was his business first."