eight o'clock
About six I returned to the George and sat beside the fire in the lounge -- in that selfsame chair where my fugitive wife had sat . I was eager to renew the chase , yet until I received word from the police I was compelled to remain helpless . Old Cross , the boots , became inquisitive , but I evaded his questions , and ate my dinner alone in the small cosy coffee-room , awaiting the reappearance of Inspector Deane . I had given my chauffeur liberty till eight o'clock , but I was all anxiety to drive back to London . Still , if I returned , what could I do ? Sylvia and her companions had driven away -- whither was a mystery . The Criminal Investigation Department had already issued an official description of the persons wanted , for while I had been at the police-office the inspector had been closely questioning the man Cross and Miss Hammond .