(_As he snatches them from nail on wall, and sits to write R., MRS. ANDERSON enters D. in F. out of breath and with a telegram; she is in process of dressing, her hair being in disorder, and she wears a dressing jacket._) MRS. ANDERSON. Telegrapheram, sir. (_Down and gives it._) JACK (_looking at telegram_). From Mrs. Everest--“Have missed train, don’t wait lunch--coming by next.” Thank goodness! (_To MRS. ANDERSON._) I suppose you don’t know where I can find a detective? MRS. ANDERSON. Yes, sir, I does. Being my own nephew as lives in the attic. JACK (_writes several telegrams, as:_) I want him at once---- MRS. ANDERSON. Lawk a floury me! (_Hurries out D. in F._) STELLA. What are you writing? (_Takes up one of the telegrams._) “Walter Everest, _Ship Hotel_, Brighton. Cyril Davidson is living. Come home.” (_WALTER knocks loudly at bedroom door._) Jack! listen! JACK (_still writing--knocking repeated_). Coming--coming. (_Knocking ceases--he continues._) This goes to every hotel in Brighton. STELLA. He may not be at an hotel. JACK. That’s why I’ve sent for a detective---- (_JOBBINS enters, hat in hand and umbrella under arm; he is a stout man, rather shabbily dressed in tweed, with tweed frock-coat, and has a square-topped bowler._) JOBBINS. My name is Jobbins, sir. (_Gives large card._) Private inquiry and detective agent, utmost secrecy and despatch, parties watched, missing relatives traced, divorces ensured. JACK. This is a very simple matter, Mr. Jobbins. The gentleman who resides here left home suddenly. I want him fetched back at once. (_Sits and writes note as:_) JOBBINS. Yes, sir (_goes up, then returns_), where is he? (_With notebook open to take notes._) JACK. Brighton. JOBBINS (_notes_). Brighton--what hotel, sir? JACK. Do you think if I knew what hotel I should require a detective? JOBBINS. Then how am I to find him? JACK. The best thing will be to take the first train to Brighton. JOBBINS (_notes_). First train to Brighton. JACK. He may be at a boarding-house. JOBBINS (_notes_). Possibly a boarding-house. JACK. When you find him give him this note (_closing it and giving it_), and send me a wire. (_Gives five-pound note._) There is some cash for your expenses. STELLA. How is he to know Walter? JACK. Isn’t there a photograph? (_Finds one on mantel R._) Here we are. (_Gives it._) JOBBINS. I’ll walk about the Brighton streets with this--why, I seen this gent in the public gardens five minutes ago. JACK. Then after him and bring him back. JOBBINS (_at D. in F._). You’ll hear from me--BY WIRE. (_Exit._) JACK (_calls out after him_). Follow him to Victoria; if you miss him, go right on. (_Comes down._) I’ve forgotten these telegrams. STELLA. I’ll take them. JACK (_gives them_). Have you any cash? STELLA. Yes. (_Hurries out D. in F._) (_A very loud peremptory knocking at D.L. JACK listens a moment--it is repeated._) JACK. Getting nasty! (_Loud knocking._)