“Exactly,” Nick nodded. “Clayton’s overcoat and hat are missing. It’s a hundred to one that Margate put them on and got away with the girl, who already was clad to leave at a moment’s notice.” “In that case----” “We must trace them,” Nick cut in. “Margate, if turning the trick in that way, would not have ventured to the front of the house, nor the opposite side. The couple would surely have been seen and recognized.” “That goes without saying,” Chick agreed. “It would have been equally hazardous to have gone toward the stable and garage back of the house.” “Surely. The driveway was brightly lighted and filled with people.” “That leaves only the path by these outbuildings and through the east park,” said Nick, walking in that direction. “The path is too hard to have received any footprints, but there is a road through the woodland beyond the park. You can see patches of it through the trees. We may find tracks there.” “It’s the road most likely to have been selected by the rascal, if he had a conveyance of any kind,” Chick declared. “That’s the very point.” “None of the guests, and probably no one else, would have gone as far as that into the woodland.” “A possibility that may simplify matters,” said Nick. “If we find tracks of a vehicle, or a motor car, we may reasonably infer that we are on the right trail.” “That’s as true as gospel.” “I expect, too, that Margate has not fled many miles away.” “Why so?” “For several reasons,” said Nick. “First, because the main roads were occupied by numerous cars departing after the reception, and there would have been a possibility of recognition.” “That’s true.” “Second, because the scamp would prefer to remain as near as possible to Langham Manor, in order to stealthily learn what would be done and who is suspected.” “That’s right, too.” “Third, because it would have been easier to come here last night than from a long distance. Fourth, because Margate undoubtedly has abducted the girl with a view to forcing a big ransom from her father and Clayton, and a near hiding place would be more convenient for getting into safe communication with them, in order to frame up a desired deal.” “All of those points are too consistent, Nick, to admit of a denial,” Chick agreed. “It’s long odds that the rascal and his victim are within twenty miles of us.” “More probably half that distance.” “Do you really think so?” “I certainly do,” Nick said confidently. “It’s the course that would appeal to me, Chick, if I was doing the same knavish job. Margate is as clever in knavery as I could be, and he may have reasoned along the same lines. If he has--ah, by Jove, this looks very much like it!” “What’s that?” Nick stopped and pointed to some damp earth near one side of the path they had been following. Distinctly outlined in it was a single, narrow footprint. Obviously, it had been left there by a woman’s boot. “By gracious, I guess you are right,” said Chick, crouching to examine it.