Lord Crosland joined them in the hall and went with them.
When they came to the Casino, they found a little crowd already gathered about its doors, waiting for them to open.
But Richard Brand was not in it, and at once Elsie's face grew anxious.
As soon as the doors opened, Sir Tancred went in to ask if her uncle has made any inquiries about Elsie, or left word where she might find him.

In ten minutes he came out again and said, "No; he has made no inquiries.

Suppose you stroll with Elsie along towards the Condamine, Crosland; that is the way he would come.

Tinker and I will wait here." Lord Crosland looked at his face, said, "Come along, missie," and strolled off with the anxious child.
When they were out of hearing, Sir Tancred said, "I'm afraid the child is in a bad mess.

This disgusting uncle of hers lost every penny at roulette last night; and the authorities, with their usual kindness, took his ticket to London, and put him in the train with twenty-five francs in his pocket." "What a cad!" said Tinker shortly.
"Well, she is on our hands, and we must look after her till we can make arrangements--deposit her in a home or something." Tinker said nothing for a while; he seemed plunged in profound thought.
He kicked a little stone ten yards away; then raised his eyes to his father's face and said, in the firm voice of one whose mind is made up, "I should like to adopt her." "Adopt her ?" said Sir Tancred with some surprise.
"Yes; I should like to, very much." "Well, thanks to your industry in the matter of flying-machines and stolen children, you have a nice little income, so we needn't consider the question of expense.