There was no doubt of this being Markworth, as the fisherman described him to a hair with two or three telling word-strokes. The landlord of the Auberge, also, where he had stopped at Honfleur, produced a torn envelope which had been carelessly dropped by his guest. It was addressed “Allynne Markworth, Esqr.;” that settled the question.
Two clear days, however, had passed; and although the object of their search was traced to Paris, all further clue of his track was lost, and where he had gone remained an unsolved problem.
The French police, with all their acuteness and finesse, in the exercise of which they are far ahead of our blundering English detectives (and those vile, social-inquisitorial dens of humbug and area-sneakishness called “Private Inquiry Offices,” too) were at fault, and the game had to be given up. From some papers found amongst the things he had left behind him at the Rue Montmartre, it was surmised that Markworth had gone to America; a photograph of himself was also discovered, which he had had taken with one of his wife—it may be remembered that Markworth had shown a carte de visite of Susan to Mr Trump, when he had gone to the lawyers to tell of his marriage, and claim the reward for the missing girl. These photographs were carefully preserved by the police, and copies of Markworth’s likeness despatched to various points to secure his arrest in case he put foot on French ground.
Nothing more could be done, however, by the Juge de Paix or the Chef. The machinery of justice had been set in motion; and although its wheels were greased it had to stop working; its bût was non-apparent.
The depositions and evidence of the witnesses, who were now released from surveillance, were preserved until the occasion should arise for their utility.
Miss Kingscott was a potent pursuer, but the prey had escaped her again: she had still to wait for vengeance.
In the meantime the body of the girl was kept for burial until word should be received from England,
The chief of the police had communicated with the mother of Markworth’s victim, having written to the veuve Hartshorne, according to the address given by Miss Kingscott; the latter personage had also sent her version of the affair to the widow lady’s lawyers, and both were now awaiting response.