It was not long after breakfast on the following morning that Venner
walked into Gurdon's rooms with a new proposal.

"I have been thinking out this confounded thing," he said. "I have an
idea; as you know, the house where you had your adventure the other night
is empty, it has occurred to me that perhaps it may be to let. If so, we
are going to call upon the agent in the characters of prospective
tenants. What I want to do is to ascertain if possible the name of the
owner of the premises."

"I see," Gurdon said thoughtfully. "I am ready for you now."

It was some little time before the friends got on the right track, but
they found the right man at length. The agent was not quite sure whether
he was in a position at present to make any definite arrangements on the
part of the owner.

"I presume he wants to let the house," he said, "though I have no
instructions, and it is some considerable time since I have heard from my
client. You see, he lives abroad."

"Can't you give us his address," Venner asked, "and let us write to him
direct? It would save time."

"That I fear is equally impossible," the agent explained. "My client
wanders about from place to place, and I haven't the remotest idea where
to find him. However, I'll do my best."

"You might tell us his name," Venner said.