Mr Kneepatcher and Oldfart were out of breath as they ran into the drawing room and all heads turned automatically in anticipation. ‘We’ve found something,’ Mr Kneepatcher said, attempting to get his breath back, bending down with his hands on his knees.
‘What is it?’ Olaf said, his eyes brightening with a glint of hope.
‘This,’ said Oldfart, holding out an ornate, pink comb. ‘We found it a few hundred yards to the north, on Dark Lane. There were fresh footprints, made by two men, I’d say. And fresh carriage tracks.’
Mara rushed over to Oldfart and he passed her the comb. ‘It’s Ophy’s alright.’
‘So she has been abducted,’ Smid said. ‘And it would appear that Blacktie’s spies are responsible.’
‘We can confirm that in the morning,’ said Cracky. ‘What we do know for certain is that we have no idea where she’s been taken, and wherever she is she won’t be able to comb her hair.’