“Yes, it is; because he never stayed away overnight without he either told me beforehand or sent me word. He was always so gentlemanly about saving me trouble or anxiety.”
“And this time he said nothing about it?”
“Not a word. He went out day before yesterday at nine o'clock in the morning, and that's the last we've seen or heard of him. He didn't carry any grip, or have his trunk sent for; he took nothing but a parcel wrapped in brown paper.”
“Well, I can't understand it. It's after one o'clock now—If he doesn't soon turn up—What do you think about it?”
“I don't know what to think about it. I'm afraid it's a case of mysterious disappearance—that's what I think!”
CHAPTER VIII — MR. LARCHER INQUIRES
Larcher and the landlady stood gazing at each other in silence. Larcher spoke first.
“He's always prompt to the minute. He may be coming now.”