Leslie had forgotten the name, but directly after the whole scene of the search for Harry came back as the quiet, decisive-looking detective officer entered the room, nodded shortly to both, and after taking the seat indicated, looked inquiringly at Uncle Luke. "At your service, sir," he said. "You've brought me some news about that affair down yonder?" "No," said Uncle Luke. "I have come to see if you can help us in another way;" and he told him the object of his visit. "Hah!" ejaculated their visitor. "Yes, that's different, sir;" and taking out a notebook, he began to ask question after question on points which seemed to him likely to be useful, till he had gained all the information he thought necessary, when he closed the book with a snap, and buttoned it up in his breast. "Rather curious fact, sir," he said, looking at both in turn; "but I've been thinking about Hakemouth a good deal this last day or two." "Why?" asked Uncle Luke shortly. "I've been away all over the Continent for some time--forgery case, and that Hakemouth business has gone no farther. As soon as I got back, and was free, I wanted something to do, so I said to myself that I'd take it on again, and I have." "Oh, never mind that now," said Leslie angrily. "Can you help us here?" "I don't know, sir. I shall try; but I might mention to you that we think we have obtained a clue to the gentleman who escaped." "Yes, yes," said Leslie impatiently; "but can you help us here?" "Give me time, sir, and I'll do my best," said the sergeant. "Not an easy task, sir, you know. A needle is hard to find in a bottle of hay, and all the clue you give me is that a lady left your neighbourhood with a French gentleman. Fortunately I did see the lady, and should know her again. Good morning." "But what are we to do?" said Leslie eagerly. "You, sir?" said the sergeant quietly, and with a suspicion of contempt in his tone. "Oh, you'd better wait." "Wait!" cried Leslie, in a voice full of suppressed rage. "And practise patience," muttered the man. "One moment, sir," he said aloud. "You saw this French gentleman?" "I saw him, but not his face. Mr Vine here told you; the light was overturned." "But you saw his figure, the man's shape?" "Yes, of course." "And you heard his voice?" "Yes." "Broken French?" "Yes." "Now, sir, just think a moment. I have a slight idea. French name-- spoke--" "We mentioned no name." "One minute, sir. Spoke French--brother's fellow-clerk and intimate-- gentleman who went off--been staying at the house--long time in the lady's society. What do you say now to its being this Mr Pradelle?" Uncle Luke gave the table a thump which made the tea-things rattle, and Leslie started from his seat, gazing wildly at the officer, who smiled rather triumphantly. "Great heavens!" faltered Leslie, as if a new light had flashed into his darkened mind.