"There were some small objects in the cloth. Things that he probably had in his trousers pockets. But the police have kept these. Colonel Smollett gave me this," he picked up the stylograph and put it back in its envelope, "and asked me to show it you so that you might identify it. What news from the hospital? Spence was driving away when I saw him."
"None. He is not conscious."
"I blame myself greatly for that, you know," the Rector said. "If I had listened with understanding he would not have been driven to this sub rosa proceeding, to that crazy night-time search."
"George, we must do something to find out who he is."
"But I understand that the orphanage — "
"Oh, I know. They made the usual inquiries. But I don't suppose they were very persistent ones. We could do much better, surely."
"Starting from the pre-supposition that he has Ashby blood in him?"
"Yes. I can't believe that a resemblance like that could exist without it. The coincidence would be too great."
"Very well, my dear. Do you want it put in hand-now?"
"Yes. Especially now. Time may be precious."