"So that three days have been wasted.The affair has been most deplorably handled.""I feel it, and admit it."
"And yet the problem should be capable of ultimate solution.
I shall be very happy to look into it.Have you been able to trace any connection between the missing boy and this German master?""None at all."
"Was he in the master's class?"
"No; he never exchanged a word with him so far as I know.""That is certainly very singular.Had the boy a bicycle?""No."
"Was any other bicycle missing?"
"No."
"Is that certain?"
"Quite."
"Well, now, you do not mean to seriously suggest that this German rode off upon a bicycle in the dead of the night bearing the boy in his arms?""Certainly not."
"Then what is the theory in your mind?"
"The bicycle may have been a blind.It may have been hidden somewhere and the pair gone off on foot.""Quite so; but it seems rather an absurd blind, does it not?
Were there other bicycles in this shed?"
"Several."
"Would he not have hidden A COUPLE had he desired to give the idea that they had gone off upon them?""I suppose he would."
"Of course he would.The blind theory won't do.But the incident is an admirable starting-point for an investigation.
After all, a bicycle is not an easy thing to conceal or to destroy.
One other question.Did anyone call to see the boy on the day before he disappeared?""No."
"Did he get any letters?"
"Yes; one letter."