ever arisen, Mr. Tarling."

"I'm sure you do," said Tarling dryly, remembering Lyne's accusations
against the other's probity.

After a few commonplaces the men parted.

Milburgh! On the journey to Hertford Tarling analysed that urbane man,
and found him deficient in certain essential qualities; weighed him and
found him wanting in elements which should certainly form part of the
equipment of a trustworthy man.

At Hertford he jumped into a cab and gave the address.

"Hillington Grove, sir? That's about two miles out," said the cabman.
"It's Mrs. Rider you want?"

Tarling nodded.

"You ain't come with the young lady she was expecting?" said the driver

"No," replied Tarling in surprise.

"I was told to keep my eyes open for a young lady," explained the cabman
vaguely.

A further surprise awaited the detective. He expected to discover that
Hillington Grove was a small suburban house bearing a grandiose title.
He was amazed when the cabman turned through a pair of impressive gates,
and drove up a wide drive of some considerable length, turning eventually
on to a gravelled space before a large mansion. It was hardly the kind of
home he would have expected for the parent of a cashier at Lyne's Store,
and his surprise was increased when the door was opened by a footman.

He was ushered into a drawing-room, beautifully and artistically
furnished. He began to think that some mistake had been made, and was
framing an apology to the mistress of the house, when the door opened and
a lady entered.

Her age was nearer forty than thirty, but she was still a beautiful woman
and carried herself with the air of a grand dame. She was graciousness
itself to the visitor, but Tarling thought he detected a note of anxiety
both in her mien and in her voice.

"I'm afraid there's some mistake," he began. "I have probably found the
wrong Mrs. Rider--I wanted to see Miss Odette Rider."

The lady nodded.

"That is my daughter," she said. "Have you any news of her? I am quite
worried about her."

"Worried about her?" said Tarling quickly. "Why, what has happened? Isn't
she here?"

"Here?" said Mrs. Rider, wide-eyed. "Of course she is not."

"But hasn't she been here?" asked Tarling. "Didn't she arrive here two
nights ago?"

Mrs. Rider shook her head.

"My daughter has not been," she replied. "But she promised to come and
spend a few days with me, and last night I received a telegram--wait a
moment, I will get it for you.