"Who are you, sir, and by what right do you touch this
gentleman's papers?" he asked.
"I am a private detective, and I am endeavouring to explain
his disappearance."
"Oh, you are, are you? And who instructed you, eh?"
"This gentleman, Mr. Staunton's friend, was referred to me
by Scotland Yard."
"Who are you, sir?"
"I am Cyril Overton."
"Then it is you who sent me a telegram. My name is Lord Mount-James.
I came round as quickly as the Bayswater 'bus would bring me.
So you have instructed a detective?"
"Yes, sir."
"And are you prepared to meet the cost?"
"I have no doubt, sir, that my friend Godfrey, when we find him,
will be prepared to do that."
"But if he is never found, eh? Answer me that!"
"In that case no doubt his family ----"
"Nothing of the sort, sir!" screamed the little man.
"Don't look to me for a penny -- not a penny! You understand that,
Mr. Detective! I am all the family that this young man has got,
and I tell you that I am not responsible. If he has any expectations
it is due to the fact that I have never wasted money, and I do
not propose to begin to do so now.
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