.

.

It is rather a curious affair--too long perhaps to state fully just now." "What then have you learned ?" asked the great man.
"First, I've learned that the ex-convict Michaelis had nothing to do with it, though indeed the lad had been living with him temporarily in the country up to eight o'clock this morning.

It is more than likely that Michaelis knows nothing of it to this moment." "You are positive as to that ?" asked the great man.
"Quite certain, Sir Ethelred.

This fellow Verloc went there this morning, and took away the lad on the pretence of going out for a walk in the lanes.