THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.
If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

He could, at any rate, get into communication with Scotland Yard and satisfy his mind on that point.