‘Scarcely that. I am interested deeply in her fate, however, and if you find out what has become of her I will pay you handsomely.’
The chief seemed to reflect deeply.
‘I don’t think you mean any harm, sir,’ he said presently, ‘and I can see you’re a real gentleman, but you see we have to be careful. Is Mr. Forster a friend of yours?’
‘No; I don’t think I ever saw him in my life.’
‘Then, of course, sir, you can’t owe him any grudge?’
‘Certainly not. All the harm I wish him is that he may recover his wife, and that they may be happily reconciled.’
The chief smiled.
‘Then I don’t mind telling you, sir,’ he said, ‘that we’re instructed already—by the husband. You can’t serve two masters, as the saying is, but if we can oblige you in any way, without breaking faith to our first employer, we’ll do it.’
‘You can keep me informed of your progress, and if you are successful——’
‘Let you know? Well, I think we can promise that. I’ll take down your name, if you please, sir.’