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Allen, Grant, 1848-1899

"Hilda Wade, a Woman with Tenacity of Purpose"

We must
find out where he is; and if he has gone right away, we must bring him
back to London."
"Where do you think he has taken refuge?"
"The police, Dr. Sebastian has ascertained, are watching the railway
stations, and the ports for the Continent."
"Very like the police!" Hilda exclaimed, with more than a touch of
contempt in her voice. "As if a clever man-of-the-world like Hugo
Le Geyt would run away by rail, or start off to the Continent! Every
Englishman is noticeable on the Continent. It would be sheer madness!"
"You think he has not gone there, then?" I cried, deeply interested.
"Of course not. That is the point I hinted at just now. He has defended
many persons accused of murder, and he often spoke to me of their
incredible folly, when trying to escape, in going by rail, or in setting
out from England for Paris. An Englishman, he used to say, is least
observed in his own country. In this case, I think I KNOW where he has
gone, how he went there."
"Where, then?"
"WHERE comes last; HOW first. It is a question of inference."
"Explain. We know your powers."
"Well, I take it for granted that he killed her--we must not mince
matters--about twelve o'clock; for after that hour, the servants told
Lina, there was quiet in the drawing-room.


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