"I am uneasy, and cannot rest without writing you a line. I let lodgings in this house to ladies only. This evening a young lady, a little under the middle height, and of very good figure, dark eyes, brown hair, and pretty expression, called and wanted me to accommodate her. She had no luggage, and when I asked her for the address of some friend in London, she seemed much disturbed, told me she could not give it to me, and before I could say or do anything, she hastened out of the room and house. She was in deep distress; and ever since she went I feel as though she must have left her friends, and that in all likelihood they will make inquiries after her. In case you should wish for anything I can tell you of her, I shall be only too glad to give you all information I have.
"Yours faithfully,
"Harriet Dumaresq.
"The Chief Inspector of Police,
"Scotland Yard."
"You have a cab at the door?"
"Yes, sir."
"And the photograph I gave you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very well, then; come along at once. We will drive direct there without loss of a moment."