"When was that?" Mr. Sabin asked.

"In the spring, sir,--with you, begging your pardon. You were at
the Netherlands, and I drove you out several times."

"You seem," Mr. Sabin said, "to be a person with some powers of
observation. It would pay you very well indeed if you would
ascertain from any of your mates at the Waldorf when and with whom
the lady in question left that hotel."

"I'll have a try, sir," the man answered. "The Duchess was better
known here, but some of them may have recognised her."

"She had no luggage, I presume?" Mr. Sabin asked.

"Her dressing-case and jewel-case only, sir."

"So you see," Mr. Sabin continued, "it is probable that she did not
remain at the Waldorf for the night. Base your inquiries on that
supposition."

"Very good, sir."

"From your manners and speech," Mr. Sabin said, raising his head,
"I should take you to be an Englishman."

"Quite correct, sir," the man answered. "I drove a hansom in
London for eight years."

"You will understand me then," Mr. Sabin continued, "when I say