“It’s difficult to know what to think,” said Tommy noncommittally. “Was this Miss O’Hara travelling alone?”
“Yes, I think so, sir.”
“You haven’t seen her since you landed?”
“No, sir.”
“Well,” said Tommy, after a minute or two spent in reflection. “I think that’s all. Thank you, Richards.”
“Thank you , sir.”
Back at the office of the Detective Agency, Tommy retailed his conversation with Richards to Tuppence who listened attentively.
“What do you think of it, Tuppence?”
“Oh! my dear fellow, we doctors are always sceptical of a sudden faintness! So very convenient. And Eileen as well as O’Hara. Almost too impossibly Irish, don’t you think?”
“It’s something to go upon at last. Do you know what I am going to do, Tuppence? Advertise for the lady.”
“What?”
“Yes. Any information respecting Miss Eileen O’Hara, known to have travelled such and such a ship and such and such a date. Either she’ll answer it herself if she’s genuine, or someone may come forward to give us information about her. So far, it’s the only hope of a clue.”
“You’ll also put her on her guard, remember.”
“Well,” said Tommy. “One’s got to risk something.”