IX
The Whitesmith's Parlour
There were few people about in the big hall of the hotel, but amongst them was the principal hall-porter, who, as I came there, appeared to be handing over his duties to his deputy for the night. An idea occurred to me, and I went up to him, drawing him aside.
"You know Mr. Parslewe?" I asked.
"Mr. Parslewe, sir—yes, sir!" he answered.
"Have you seen him go out this evening?"
"Yes, sir. Mr. Parslewe went out just about eleven, sir—not many minutes before you came in with the young lady."
"You haven't seen him come in again?"
"Not yet, sir—not been in since then."
I nodded, and went out into the street. So Parslewe's business, whatever it was, had been fixed for a late hour, after eleven. He might have gone with us to the theatre, then!
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