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Rh It is le Colonel Caoutchouc here, le Colonel Caoutchouc there; till one begins to ask, at last, is there any Colonel Caoutchouc, or is it a convenient class name invented by the Force to cover a gang of undiscovered sharpers? However, Sir Charles, we will do our best. I will set on the track without delay the best and cleverest detective in England.'

'The very man I want,' Charles said. 'What name, Marvillier?'

The principal smiled. 'Whatever name you like,' he said. 'He isn't particular. Medhurst he's called at home. We call him Joe. I'll send him round to your house this afternoon for certain.'

'Oh no,' Charles said promptly, 'you won't; or Colonel Clay himself will come instead of him. I've been sold too often. No casual strangers! I'll wait here and see him.'

'But he isn't in,' Marvillier objected.

Charles was firm as a rock. 'Then send and fetch him.'