But, after all, is that quite reasonable?
Most often the man who disappears, disappears of his own accord,--disappears either from fear of things that may happen to him, or because he himself has some purpose to serve." "You mean to suggest, then, Louis," I said, "that the disappearance of Mr.Delora is a voluntary one ?" Once more Louis shrugged his shoulders.
"Who can tell, monsieur ?" he answered.

"I suggest nothing.

I spoke only as one might speak, hearing of this case.

One moment, monsieur." He darted away to welcome some newcomers, ushered them to their table, suggested their lunch, passed up and down the room, stopping here and there to bow to a patron, to examine the dishes standing ready to be served, to correct some fault of service.

It seemed to me, as I watched him, that he did a hundred things before he returned.