“It comes down to this,” said Nick, “we must set out upon the theory that something wrong, some crime, some misfortune, or some complication, exists in the life of Ellison that is unknown to his best friends.”
“Chief,” said Ida, “I believe that that is to be found not here in this country, but in England.”
“Since he has lived so good a life here,” said Nick, “it would seem to be so.”
The famous detective stood still a moment and said:
“I must appeal to my friend, Inspector Mostyn, of Scotland Yard, again. Chick, write a cable to Mostyn and ask him to send all information that is queer about Ellison. Tell Mostyn what family he belongs to.”
He turned to Ida and said:
“I don’t suppose there is a man in England who knows as much about the noble families and their concealed histories as Mostyn does.”
“If you are to have a starting place at all,” said Ida, “I think you will find it in what Mostyn tells you, and——”
Ida hesitated a moment, and Nick asked:
“And what?”