At the acceptable word, the individual backed heavily, motioning him to enter. Gilead had been prepared for the typical lodging-house shrew, tart, hungry, aggressive; instead, he saw before him a substantial churchy gentleman, like a sanctimonious verger, with a moist lip and side-whiskers. His waistcoat and trousers were black; his coat was off, and his shirtsleeves were rolled up to the elbow. “I have come,” said Gilead, “to enquire about a Miss Fleming. Does she live here?” A certain tentative smile, oily and ineffable, left the man’s lips on the instant. “Work?” said he. “It’s late to come on business.” “It’s late, as you say. Is she up?” “She’s up to too much of this sort of thing to suit my book,” said the landlord, with a disagreeable change of manner. “I don’t keep your kind of shop, mister. No, she’s not up, and she’s not in.” “Where is she?” “I don’t know.” “I believe you do.” “Will you please to get out, now, or shall I call the police?” “I will save you the trouble,” said Gilead. In fact he had observed the approach on the moment of a constable known to him. “Gregory,” he said, “will you come here a minute. This person is pleased to question my credentials. I only ask you to convince him.” “O! I’ll convince him sharp enough, Mr Balm, sir,” said the officer. “I meant no offence,” said the landlord, in an injured voice. “You have given none,” said Gilead. “On the contrary, I gather some reassurance from your manner. Only you jump too hastily to conclusions, Mr --?” “Nolan,” said the constable. “Now, Mr Nolan,” said Gilead, “I ask you, in the presence of this officer, does Miss Fleming live here?” The man looked from one to the other. His face perspired. “She did,” he said, “until three days ago.” “Where has she gone?” “How am I to know?” “That is not for me to say. But I intend to find out.” “I don’t want to prevent you,” said the man--“before God I don’t. She owed me money.” “She was given money to pay you.” “She didn’t pay me, then--not in full. What are you driving at? I’ll tell you the truth--every word of it so far as I’m concerned.” “Observe, Gregory,” said Gilead.