“Seek out that Miss Baylis,” replied Spargo.
“You think you could get something there?” asked Rathbury.
“Look here!” said Spargo. “I don’t believe for a second Aylmore killed Marbury. I believe I shall get at the truth by following up what I call the Maitland trail. This Miss Baylis must know something—if she’s alive. Well, now I’m going to report at the office. Keep in touch with me, Rathbury.”
He went on then to the Watchman office, and as he got out of his taxi-cab at its door, another cab came up and set down Mr. Aylmore’s daughters.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
THE BLANK PAST
Jessie Aylmore came forward to meet Spargo with ready confidence; the elder girl hung back diffidently.
“May we speak to you?” said Jessie. “We have come on purpose to speak to you. Evelyn didn’t want to come, but I made her come.”
Spargo shook hands silently with Evelyn Aylmore and motioned them both to follow him. He took them straight upstairs to his room and bestowed them in his easiest chairs before he addressed them.
“I’ve only just got back to town,” he said abruptly. “I was sorry to hear the news about your father. That’s what’s brought you here, of course. But—I’m afraid I can’t do much.”
“I told you that we had no right to trouble Mr. Spargo, Jessie,” said Evelyn Aylmore. “What can he do to help us?”