What else could he do?
However, he did make this admission--that there was a child in the room who betrayed a nervousness under his questions which was not observable in her elders, a girl of twelve or so who put her hands behind her when she found she could not control their twitching.

And I've an idea that if he could have got this child by herself, he might have heard something quite different from the plain denial he got from the mother.

I've always thought so; but I've had too many other things to do to make an effort in this direction.
"Now, if you approve, I'll see what I can do with this girl, for it stands to reason there must be some place in town where this woman, just off ship, found an immediate refuge and a change of clothing and effects.
Nor should I be much surprised if we should discover that she is an inmate of this very house.

What do you think, Mr.Gryce?
Is it worth looking into ?" "It is worth my looking into.

I have other work for you.