You'll probably find him in when you go back.' "Apparently somewhat reassured, Mr.Vassall thanked Mr.Pettitt and hurried back to the shop, only to find that Mr.Schwarz had not returned, though it was now close on eight o'clock.
"Mr.Winslow looked so haggard and upset that it would have been cruel to heap reproaches upon his other troubles or to utter so much as the faintest suspicion that young Schwarz's permanent disappearance with L16,000 in jewels and money was within the bounds of probability.
"There was one chance left, but under the circumstances a very slight one indeed.

The Winslows' private house was up the Birkenhead end of the town.

Young Schwarz had been living with them ever since his arrival in Liverpool, and he may have--either not feeling well or for some other reason--gone straight home without calling at the shop.

It was unlikely, as valuable jewellery was never kept at the private house, but--it just might have happened.
"It would be useless," continued the man in the corner, "and decidedly uninteresting, were I to relate to you Messrs.

Winslow's and Vassall's further anxieties with regard to the missing young man.