Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/271

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE WIRE FROM NETHERWELL
261

said that after the gentleman and the two ladies had dined, telegram forms were asked for, and the young lady—the young lady, mind you—wrote out two telegrams. What did she do with 'em? She gave 'em to the gentleman! Now, in my opinion, you'll find out, when you meet Miss Mortover, that one of those telegrams was to you, and the other to her landlady. Of course, Levigne never handed them in—never meant to! And the probability is that while you've been wondering why you never heard from her, she's been surprised that she never heard from you!"

"Meet her again, you say!" exclaimed Nottigde. "And when's that likely to be?"

Wedgwood drew out his watch.

"I should say in a few minutes," he replied coolly. "This application's fixed for ten-thirty and it's a quarter-past ten now.

"You expect her here?" asked Nottidge.

"I expect 'em all here!" said Wedgwood. "Levigne, his secretary, Miss Mortover, and their solicitor and counsel. And now Nottidge as time's short, a word to you! You can leave Levigne to me—I'll tackle him, to some purpose. You see that very ordinary-looking individual, quietly glancing about him, over there? That's an assistant of mine—another detective—I brought him along on purpose."