“I assure you; every room has been checked. Lilly Lou is not here. In fact, we were just searching for Mortimer when you arrived.”
“Mortimer is missing, too?” Mr. Longhorn felt a sickening sinking in his stomach. God forbid the two of them were together.
together
“I am sure that Mortimer is aboard the ship to Africa,” answered the nanny. “We just did not expect him to get to the harbor on his own.”
“Darling, fetch the police immediately! I don’t care about our reputation! I must have my daughter back!”
During the Longhorn’s distraction, John had climbed up the stairs, and he, Mrs. Binkley and the eldest Mrs. Longhorn had disappeared from the landing. Mr. Longhorn looked about him now, his thoughts spinning as to the whereabouts of his dearest daughter and that i***t, good-for-nothing
