"And in Mincing Lane they have heard nothing since the receipt of the last telegram?"
"Nothing—neither has his sister."
The inspector looked her straight in the face, and said:
"I presume, Miss Ramsay, that this gentleman was a particular friend of yours, eh?"
Marigold blushed slightly and responded in the affirmative.
"Is there any reason you suspect why he should have gone away so suddenly? Did you—well, did you quarrel with him, for instance?"
"Not in the least. We were the best of friends," she answered. "I came here to ask whether you could assist me in finding him."
The clean-shaven man drew his breath, and gravely shook his head.
"I fear that we shall be unable to help you," he replied.
"Why? He is missing. Surely the police can trace him!" she cried in disappointment.