undertake to find _live_ people, and I don't know whether the person I am seeking is alive or--or--" His steady voice faltered; the Tracer watched him curiously.
"Of course, that is important," he said.

"If she _is_ dead--" "_She_!" "Didn't you say 'she,' Captain ?" "No, I did not." "I beg your pardon, then, for anticipating you," said the Tracer carelessly.
"Anticipating?
_How_ do you know it is not a man I am in search of ?" demanded Harren.
"Captain Harren, you are unmarried and have no son; you have no father, no brother, no sister.

Therefore I infer--several things--for example, that you are in love." "I?
In love ?" "Desperately, Captain." "Your inferences seem to satisfy you, at least," said Harren almost sullenly, "but they don't satisfy me--clever as they appear to be." "_Ex_actly.

Then you are _not_ in love ?" "I don't know whether I am or not." "I do," said the Tracer of Lost Persons.
"Then you know more than I," retorted Harren sharply.
"But that is my business--to know more than you do," returned Mr.Keen patiently.

"Else why are you here to consult me ?" And as Harren made no reply: "I have seen thousands and thousands of people in love.