“Mr. Garside, your private secretary, tells me that you have not been going to your office for some little time.”
“Only occasionally. I have not felt able to do so. That is why I made Mr. Garside one of my household, or, rather, his predecessor, who resigned his position several weeks ago. I found it necessary to transact much of my business at home, and the aid of a private secretary was imperative.”
“I see,” Nick nodded. “Who, by the way, was Mr. Garside’s predecessor?”
“His name is John Dunbar. He was formerly a clerk in our office.”
“Previous to becoming your private secretary?”
“Yes.”
“Has he resumed his former position?”
“No. I don’t know what has become of him.”
“Why did he resign from your employ?”
“He said he intended to go West,” Clayton explained. “I think he may have done so, having seen him only once since he ended our relations.”