"
"Most correct," Sir Timothy murmured. "The trouble seems to be,
so far as I am concerned, that no one will tell me exactly of
what I am suspected? I am to give Mr. Shopland the run of my
house, or he will make his appearance in the magistrate's court
and the evening papers will have placards with marvellous
headlines at my expense. How will it run, Mr. Shopland--
"'MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A YOUNG GENTLEMAN.
MILLIONAIRE'S HOUSE TO BE SEARCHED.'"
"We do not necessarily acquaint the press with our procedure,"
Shopland rejoined.
"Nevertheless," Sir Timothy continued, "I have known awkward
consequences arise from a search warrant too rashly applied for
or granted. However, we are scarcely being polite. So far, Miss
Hyslop has had very little to say."
The young lady was not altogether at her ease.
"I have had very little to say," she repeated, "because I did not
expect an audience."
Sir Timothy drew a letter from his pocket, opened it and adjusted
his eyeglass.
"Here we are," he said. "After leaving my dinner-party tonight,
I called at the club and found this note. Quite an inviting
little affair, you see young lady's writing, faint but very
delicate perfume, excellent stationery, Milan Court--the home of
adventures!"
"DEAR SIR TIMOTHY BRAST:
"Although I am not known to you personally, there is a
certain matter concerning which information has come into my
possession, which I should like to discuss with you.
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