The "doctor" shook his head, saying the agent's wife had searched everywhere.
"But this means ruin to me," I whispered. "For Monday's settling I shall be short of £10,000."
"My dear sir, I am very sorry; but what can I do?"
"You see his letter," I said. "What would you advise me to do?"
"I should go to the club on Monday and make enquiry. You will have got his letter to show. It is quite possible that you may find your Cremorne bets booked in your own name. The more cautiously you go about the matter the greater chance you will have of getting your money."
"But there must be another betting-book," I replied angrily.
"One would think so, but such does not appear to be the case."
"I must see his wife," I said hastily.
"Let me persuade you not to do that. The poor woman is heartbroken. Are you coming to the funeral?"
"It is hard lines," I said, "after such a struggle to square the confounded book, that there should be any doubt about these bets. If that £10,000 is not forthcoming I shall have to be declared a defaulter."