"He has never returned to the hotel," said the manager, very seriously.
"Ah! to the hotel, but where——" Gilbert stopped without completing the question, while excitement struggled with anxiety within his breast. He gazed imploringly at the other.
"He did not return to the Law Courts Hotel that evening," the manager went on, "and nothing has been seen or heard of him since."
Gilbert smothered an ejaculation. What a thing, he thought, to have to tell Kitty!
"That was the state of the case up to yesterday," continued the manager. "I have had no communication on the subject this morning, but if you like, I will ring up the hotel on the 'phone—there may be fresh news."
"Thanks; but one moment, please. You had what you have just told me from the hotel people?"
"Yes, and also from the police who are now moving in the matter, though I am not aware of their having found out anything."
"The police!" exclaimed Gilbert, almost protestingly, but even as he spoke he knew it was a fit and proper case for the police to take up. "Please go on," he said.
"Of course," resumed the manager, "the police had to be called in. Between ourselves I think they should have been called in sooner than they were, but at the same time it must be acknowledged that the hotel authorities were in a difficult position; people in their business are always anxious not to interfere with the freedom of their guests, so they make allowance for eccentricities and what might be considered rather erratic movements."
"I understand," said Gilbert. "Perhaps you will now tell me just what action the hotel people took—you can ring them up later."