22 
Telegram
The communiqué which arrived at Nr. 42 Ebendorfer Strasse in Vienna contained unexpected news.
“I was certain Matteos would find out something,” said Hartwell Barclay enthusiastically, handing the telegram around the table. Ramsay scanned it quickly.
REPORT FROM SWISS BORDER INDICATES CROSSING OF TWO WOMEN, ONE ANSWERING DESCRIPTION SUPPLIED, AT COMO. PASSPORTS IN NAMES GERTRUT OSWALD, AUSTRIAN, AND GRETCHEN REINHARDT, SWISS. DESTINATION UNKNOWN.
“Switzerland!” exclaimed Ramsay. “What possible reason would she have to cross the Swiss border?”
“Obviously because Switzerland is neutral,” replied Mrs. Halifax. “It is, however, a curious change in the direction of her travels,” she added, her brow wrinkling in thought.
“No matter,” said Barclay. “This means she is not yet back to England.”
“If she is still in Switzerland,” said Ramsay.
“I have a feeling she is,” rejoined Barclay. “This companion of hers was carrying a Swiss passport. Does the name mean anything to you?”
Ramsay shook his head. “As far as I know, Amanda has never been to Switzerland before. Why do you say companion? Perhaps they just crossed the border at the same time.”
“Matteos seems to indicate there is more to it than mere coincidence.”
“Nevertheless, the other name means nothing to me.”
“As long as she does not reach France,” Barclay went on, “I think our chances of nabbing her remain excellent. I shall notify Matteos to follow up on this lead immediately. Interrogations at the border and with railway personnel at the Milan station ought to reveal the destination.”
“I was just in Milan.”
“Yes, and it appears you shall have to return.”
“But I did not find a trace of her,” insisted Ramsay.
“It would appear she was closer than you realized.”
“We don’t know that,” argued Ramsay, not appreciating the implication.
“If they crossed the border in Como, they had to have taken the train north from Milan. If we can learn their destination, Matteos will see to the rest.”