The notice drawn up by Department Z. ran:

MISSING

L10,000 REWARD

Where is

JOHN DENE of TORONTO?

"On Monday at 6 p.m., Mr. John Dene, the well-known Canadian inventor
and engineer of Toronto, left his offices in Waterloo Place, after
bidding his secretary good night. Since then a shroud of mystery seems
to have enveloped his movements.

~HIS SECRETARY BECOMES ALARMED~

"His Secretary, Miss Dorothy West, arrived at the office at the usual
time on Tuesday morning. Mr. Dene was most punctual in his habits,
invariably reaching his office a few minutes after nine. Miss West
waited until two o'clock, then fearing that he might be ill, she rang
through to the Ritzton Hotel, where Mr. Dene was staying. To her
surprise she was informed that he had not returned to his hotel the
night before.

~WHERE IS JOHN DENE OF TORONTO?~

"Miss West immediately got into communication with the head of a
certain Government department with which Mr. Dene was associated; but
nothing was known of his whereabouts. The authorities have reason to
believe that Mr. Dene has been spirited away by some organisation that
has a special object in view.

~IS IT FOUL PLAY?~

"A reward of L10,000 will be paid to anyone who will give such
information as will lead directly to the discovery of Mr. John Dene's
whereabouts. It may be added that Mr. Dene is a distinguished engineer
and inventor, and it is the duty of every citizen of the British Empire
to endeavour to assist the Authorities in tracing the missing man.

~THIS IS WHAT HE IS LIKE.~

"The following is a description of Mr. John Dene:--Height 5 ft. 5 ins.
Clean shaven with grey eyes and a determined expression, invariably
carried a cigar in his mouth, very frequently unlighted. Has a
peculiar habit of twisting and twirling the cigar in his mouth. Thick
set with keen, rather jerky movements, and a habit of looking at people
suddenly and piercingly. A square jaw and tightly closed lips. When
last seen was wearing a dark grey tweed suit, trilby hat, dark blue tie
and brown boots. Spoke with a marked Canadian accent.

"All communications should be addressed to Scotland Yard, S.W."

In addition to the foregoing semi-official particulars, there followed
much information that had been gleaned by various reporters. Most of
the papers gave a leader, and several hinted at the hidden hand, urging
that this new outrage obviously pointed to the necessity for the
internment