For what reason do you suppose that I
have been concerned in the disappearance of this Mr. Reginald
Wilmore?"
Francis opened his lips, but Shopland, with a warning glance,
intervened.
"I work sometimes as a private person, sir," he said, "but it is
not to be forgotten that I am an officer of the law. It is not
for us to state motives or even to afford explanations for our
behaviour. I have watched your house at Hatch End, Sir Timothy,
and I have come to the conclusion that unless you are willing to
discuss this matter with me in a different spirit, I am justified
in asking the magistrates for a search warrant."
Sir Timothy sighed.
"Mr. Ledsam," he said, "I think, after all, that yours is the
most interesting end of this espionage business. It is you who
search for motives, is it not, and pass them on to our more
automatic friend, who does the rest. May I ask, have you
supplied the motive in the present case?"
"I have failed to discover any motive at all for Reginald
Wilmore's disappearance," Francis admitted, "nor have I at any
time been able to connect you with it. Mr. Shopland's efforts,
however, although he has not seen well to take me into his entire
confidence, have my warmest approval and sympathy. Although I
have accepted your very generous hospitality, Sir Timothy, I
think there has been no misunderstanding between us on this
matter.
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