His lips had become pale. Then he broke out: "I placed my vital interests in the hands of Mr. Pettigrew, and now at the critical moment I find this!" said he. "Away! But you must find him—you must find him, and find him at once."
If he had only known what he would find he might have been less eager perhaps.
"I'll find him if I can," said Brownlow. He rang a bell, and when Morgan appeared he sent for Balls.
"Mr. Balls," said Brownlow with a spasmodic attempt at a wink, "can you not get Mr. Pettigrew's present address?"
Balls understood.
"I'll see," said he. Out he went, returning in a minute.
"I'm sorry I can't," said Balls. "Mr. Pettigrew did not leave his address when he went away."
"Thank you, Mr. Balls," said Brownlow. Then to Tidd, when they were alone: "This is as hard for me as for you, Mr. Tidd; I can't think what to do."
"We've got to find him," said Tidd.
"Certainly."