CHAPTER XV -A Strange Disappearance

In Chapter XV, “A Confab,” the narrative dives into a crucial meeting between Mr. Gryce and the narrator, centered around strategizing the pursuit of the Schoenmakers and the rescue of Mr. Blake’s young wife. The chapter opens with Gryce suggesting a detailed investigation of the German quarter, reasoning that associates like Schmidt and Rosenthal could provide assistance leading to a satisfactory outcome. However, the narrator disagrees, speculating that the Schoenmakers, in an effort to avoid drawing attention, especially with a distinguished young woman in their company, would unlikely hide among their populace. The notion of gossip, particularly prevalent within the German community, is highlighted as a risk the Schoenmakers would strive to sidestep.

The narrator elaborates on the perceived value of Mr. Blake’s wife to the Schoenmakers, likening her to a precious commodity that needs to be maintained in pristine condition for eventual profit through extortion. This underlines her critical role not merely as a captive but as a significant asset in their scheme against Mr. Blake. The discussion further explores potential hideouts, ruling out vibrant immigrant communities like Italian, French, or Irish quarters due to the visibility and questions their presence would raise.

Speculation shifts towards the possibility of seclusion in less conspicuous locales, possibly upriver or across to New Jersey, with Hoboken mentioned as a potential spot for investigation. Yet, the issue of maintaining a low profile in rural districts versus crowded urban settings is debated, with the consensus leaning towards the complexities of their situation rendering traditional hiding spots less viable.

Mr. Gryce, after a moment of thought, underscores the importance of considering the Schoenmakers’ desire to evade detection while also accommodating the needs of their captive, reinforcing the challenge of predicting their whereabouts. This chapter thus sets the stage for a nuanced manhunt, emphasizing strategic thinking over brute force, and showcases the protagonists’ deductive prowess in the face of an elusive adversary.