Of course, when I went to inquire, my gentleman had vanished.

I'm sick of asking the interminable question, `Does So-and-so live here ?' The present cook-man, however, remembered the queer name as that belonging to his predecessor, and informed me that, not having made the business pay over here, he had decamped two years ago without saying good-bye to his creditors, and announced his intention of starting a _cafe_ in Paris.

This, then, is my off-chance.
Unless he has changed his name, I should be able to discover him in Paris; and if he turns out to be the man who once lived at Number 2 Long Street, he may be able to tell me something about the Callots; and the Callots, if by a miracle I can find them, may be able to tell me something about Rogers, the Ghost in _Hamlet_.

I only wish you were coming to back me up, but, from what you say, I would ever so much rather you remained on the spot at Maxfield.

I hope it will be possible to help Oliphant out of his fix.