And she was followed by the housekeeper, with no better result.
Thus all the domestics of the establishment were called and examined singly; but without success.
When the last servant was done with, and sent out of the room, the detective walked up to the duke.
"Well, Mr.Setter ?" inquired the latter.
"Your grace, I have learned nothing from the servants but what you have already told me." "Do you still wish to search the premises ?" "If your grace pleases.

And I wish to begin with the apartments of the duchess." "Then follow me.

I myself will be your guide," said the duke, leading the way from the library.
It would be useless to accompany the detective in this third search.
Let it be sufficient to say that this search was thorough, complete, exhaustive, and--unsuccessful.
It was late in the day when it was finished, and the duke and the detective returned to the library.
"You now perceive Mr.Setter, that a day has been lost in these repeated searchings and questionings, and no new information, no sign of a clew to the fate of the duchess has been gained.

In an hour I must leave the house to catch the Great Northern Night Express.

I leave--I am _forced_ for the present, to leave the fate of my beloved wife in your hands.