A swift change manifested itself in Joe's face. "Flood Lane!" he almost shouted. "You're sure 'e said Flood Lane?"
"Of course I am. I ain't deaf, Mr. Bates."
Joe took no notice of the snub. "Wot made 'im go there?" he demanded.
"'E was fetched," replied Martha Jane with some asperity. "Fetched by a party who hadn't no better manners——"
"'Ere," interrupted Joe, "wot was the bloke like? You answer me quick."
Martha Jane flushed indignantly, but before her lips could frame a protest she was forestalled by Nancy.
"It's all right, Martha. Mr. Bates is afraid that something may have happened to Doctor Gray, and he wants to help us. That's so, isn't it?" She turned quickly to Joe, who nodded his head.
"Well," replied Martha Jane, in a slightly mollified voice, "'e was just a rough common-looking man the same as you can see 'anging about the street corners I'd know 'im anywhere, though, if only by the scar on 'is face."
There was a half-stifled oath from Joe. "Jake 'Udson!" he cried. "Jake 'Udson it was for a million!" He clenched his fists and glared savagely at the two women. "Nah ye can see why he ain't come back."
Nancy's heart was beating swiftly, but to all outward appearance she remained perfectly cool.