twenty-eight. Go round to the office as soon as they open, secure
that room if possible, and pay a deposit. No other will do. Also
one for yourself."

"Very good, sir."


CHAPTER VI

"Here's a lady inquiring for you, sir--just gone up to your room in
the elevator," the hotel clerk remarked to Mr. Sabin as he paused
on his way to the door to hand in his key. "Shall I send a boy up?"

Mr. Sabin hesitated.

"A lady?" he remarked tentatively.

The hotel clerk nodded.

"Yes. I didn't notice the name, but she was an Englishwoman. I'll
send up."

"Thank you, I will return," Mr. Sabin said. "If I should miss her
on the way perhaps you will kindly redirect her to my rooms."

He rang for the elevator, and was swiftly transported to his own
floor. The door of his sitting-room was open. Duson was talking
to a tall fair woman, who turned swiftly round at the sound of his
approach.