“He was taking a risk then, wasn’t he?” I said. “Lying on a passport application, especially someone as well known as he. It’s a wonder he didn’t wind up in jail.”

“I don’t understand,” she said at last. “I don’t understand anything anymore. I just want my husband back safely. Find him for me, Molly. Promise me you’ll find him.”

“I’ll do my best, I promise,” I said, hoping that this was a promise I could keep.

Twenty-one

I had just put the passport back in its drawer when I heard voices downstairs—a woman’s voice raised in anger and a man’s deep, calm tones. I opened the door and picked up the pronounced accent of Houdini’s mother. “No, I vill not allow—” she was shouting.

Then, “Calm yourself, madam, please.”

Then heavy steps coming up the stairs and Daniel’s face appeared from the darkness of the hall.

“Ye gods, she’s a harridan, isn’t she?” he demanded. “Wasn’t going to let me in even when I told her I was a policeman.” He nodded politely to Bess, who now sat with her bedclothes drawn up in a display of maid-enly effrontery, which I found amusing, considering she spent most of her time appearing in front of strangers in a scanty costume.

“I’m Captain Sullivan. We met briefly last night,” he said.

“You have news for me? You’ve found him?” Her voice quavered.

“Not a trace so far. That’s why we need your help,” Daniel said. “Do you think you’d feel strong enough to accompany us back to the theater? We haven’t touched anything since last night. I’d like you to take a look for yourself and see if you notice anything unusual that might give us a clue as to what happened.”

“If you think it will help, I’ll come,” she said.

He smiled at her. “Good girl,” he said. “Hurry up and get dressed, then. I’ll be waiting in the automobile outside.”

“An automobile. Fancy that.” She looked rather impressed. “Harry was talking about buying one in Germany this year. We were even shown around the factory where they make them.”

“Were you?” Daniel looked equally impressed. “Mercedes-Benz, you mean?”

“Oh, yes. They adore Harry over there. He’s always so interested in the latest machines they’re making. He says they are so much more advanced than we are and of course they love showing off their superiority. They think a lot of themselves in Germany, you know.”

“We shouldn’t waste Captain Sullivan’s time,” I said, as she appeared rather taken with him and willing to go on chatting. “Do you need me to help you get dressed or should I wait in the automobile with Captain Sullivan?”