the trades-people and the public-houses in the neighborhood, and
say you are from some West End shop where Prothero, wants to open
an account. They may talk, especially if his credit is bad. And, if
you find out enough about him to give me a working basis, I'll try
to get into the house to-night. Meanwhile, I'm going to make
another quick search of this hotel for Pearsall. I'm not satisfied
he has not been here. For why should Miss Dale, with all the hotels
in London to choose from, have named this particular one, unless
she had good reason for it? Now, go, and meet me in an hour in
Sowell Street."

Cuthbert was at the door when he remembered he had brought with him
from the office Ford's mail and cablegrams. Among the latter was
the one for which Ford had asked.

"Wait," he commanded. "This is about the girl. You had better know
what it says." The cable read:

"Girl orphan, Dalesville named after her family, for three
generations mill-owners, father died four years ago, Pearsall
brother-in-law until she is twenty-one, which will be in three
months. Girl well known, extremely popular, lived Dalesville until
last year, when went abroad with uncle, since then reports of
melancholia and nervous prostration, before that health
excellent--no signs insanity--none in family. Be careful how handle
Pearsall, was doctor, gave up practice to look after estate, is
prominent in local business and church circles, best reputation,
beware libel."

For the benefit of Cuthbert, Ford had been reading the cable aloud.