I found that, as was to be expected, the newspapers not only suggested, but enlarged upon the dangers of the case. Timid people everywhere were much alarmed. My old servant, naturally credulous and superstitious, was particularly upset. That same day after dinner, as she was clearing away the things, she stopped before me, a water bottle in one hand, the serviette in the other, and asked anxiously, “Is there no news, sir?”
“None,” I answered, knowing well to what she referred.
“The automobile has not come back?”
“No.”
“Nor the boat?”
“Nor the boat. There is no news even in the best informed papers.”
“But—your secret police information?”
“We are no wiser.”
“Then, sir, if you please, of what use are the police?”
It is a question which has phased me more than once.