“Well, sir,” said the clerk, in his usual slow and solemn tone, as Godfrey entered, “I have had three or four of them back; and they've brought and sent in half-a-score of black porters, occasional waiters, valets out of place, journeymen chairmen, et cetera, and so forth; but, unfortunately—”
“The little delinquent was not among them, I suppose.”
“No, nor any one like him: but I'll tell you what I did—”
“Speak quicker:—consider my impatience. Did you employ them all to hunt out the villain?”
“Why, it was a bold step, perhaps; but—”
“Did you, or did you not?”
“I did.”
“A thousand thanks!—I'll be off again.”
“But, I say, sir;—you'll excuse me;—now, if I were you, I'll just tell you what I'd do.”
“Well, my dear friend, what?—quick—what?”