I'm pretty certain she couldn't have left the place any other way than by rail; I'm more than certain she couldn't have been living anywhere in the neighbourhood when I was hunting for her.

In short, it comes to this--I stick to my old opinion, that the poor lady was drowned in Malsham river." This was just what Gilbert, happily for his own peace, could not bring himself to believe.

He was ready to confide in Mr.Medler as a model of truth and honesty, rather than admit the possibility of Marian's death.
"We have this man Medler's positive assertion, that Mrs.Holbrook is with her father, you see, Mr.Proul," he said doubtfully.
"_That_ for Medler's assertion!" exclaimed the detective contemptuously; "there are lawyers in London who will assert anything for a consideration.

Let him produce the lady; and if he does produce her, I give him leave to say that Thomas Henry Proul is incapable of his business; or, putting it in vulgar English, that T.H.P.is a duffer.

Of course I shall carry out any business you like to trust me with, Mr.
Fenton, and carry it out thoroughly.