It was still early. If Emery had left already, with servants too, that was indeed unusual. He knocked again and looked up at the gathering clouds. The door opened. A boy looked out, holding it only just ajar. “Good day to you,” said Clarenceux. “I presume that your master is away?” The boy looked nervous. “Sir, he has not been home since late last night.” “And his servant, Adam? The man who normally attends to callers?” “He is also absent, sir. He traveled yesterday. I do not know where he was going.” “He told you to tell me that?” The boy hesitated. He did not know what to say. Clarenceux just waited until eventually he received the answer. “Yes, sir.” He nodded. “Thank you. You have been most helpful. Good day.” He walked slowly along the uneven mud of the street into Huggin Lane.
