He turned back from the station in search of lodgings.

He was to find that it was not so easy to get rooms as he had imagined.

The best hotel in the place was crowded out as a result of an agricultural convention which was being held in the town.

He was sent on to another hotel, only to find that the same state of congestion existed, and finally after half an hour's search he found accommodation at a small commercial hotel which was surprisingly empty.
His first step was to get into communication with London and this was established without delay.

Nothing had been heard of Odette Rider, and the only news of importance was that the ex-convict, Sam Stay, had escaped from the county lunatic asylum to which he had been removed.
Tarling went up to the commodious sitting-room.