Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/170

 Wedgwood, with a cynical laugh. "After your advertisement this morning they'll all be objects of suspicion, especially if accompanied by a younger woman! However, I hope you'll get some reliable news. Anything in the way of a first step's worth having."

Nottidge moved impatiently in his seat.

"Put me on the track," he said. "Just that—and you'll not get my nose off the scent! I'm going to find my girl whatever it costs, and whatever has to be gone through. And I don't care how many people are after that reward—the more the better! After all, people can't disappear like—like a drop of rain in the sea—impossible!"

"Can't they?" laughed Wedgwood. "When you've had as much experience as I have, you'll alter your opinion! I can assure you that people can utterly disappear—disappear as if they'd never existed—and in no place so easily as here in London. Disappearances—known dozens of 'em!"

"Well, this isn't going to be a total one, anyway!" declared Nottidge, doggedly. "I'm on at this! Let's get a start—that's all I want."

"In my experience," said Wedgwood, "a start isn't difficult. The critical time is when you've got half or a quarter or three-quarters