"I think I can assure your lordship that matters will
soon mend. The situation is not hopeless, believe me. You may rely on
us to regain touch with the fugitives without delay. I have a clue,
and with your lordship's permission will follow it at once."
I saw clearly that he was set upon the absurd notion he had conceived
that the lady had gone westward, and I felt it my duty to warn the
Earl not to be misled by Tiler.
"There is nothing in his clue, my lord. It is pure assumption, without
any good evidence to support it."
"Let me hear this precious clue," said his lordship. "I will decide
what it is worth."
Then Tiler propounded his theory.
"It might be good enough," I interjected, "if I did not know the exact
contrary. The lady with her party was seen going in exactly the
opposite direction. I know it for a fact."
"And I am equally positive of what I saw," said Tiler.
His lordship looked from one to the other, plainly perplexed and with
increasing anger.
"By the Lord Harry, it's pleasant to be served by a couple of such
useless creatures who differ so entirely in their views that they
cannot agree upon a common plan of action.
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