"Yes. She disappeared one night, some three weeks ago."
"And you were not informed?"
"No. Mr. Callister had the matter in charge. I visited the asylum from time to time, but they would rarely allow me to see my mother, and never at any time leave us alone."
"Was she very bad?"
"Well, pretty bad at times. She was particularly violent in the presence of Mr. Callister."
"Humph!" muttered the detective, "I'm not much surprised at that."
"She always had the idea that he was the cause of my father's misfortunes, though I'm sure I don't know why."
For a few moments the detective maintained silence.
"What was the name of your mother before your father married her, Frank?" he asked at length.
"Helen Dupont."