semi-uniform, who was immediately addressed as Clausen.

I knew his face. He was one of the doorkeepers; the oldest employee
about the hotel, and the one best liked. I had often exchanged
words with him myself.

Mr. Slater at once put his question:

"Has Mr. Brotherson passed your door at any time to-night?"

"Mr. Brotherson! I don't remember, really I don't," was the
unexpected reply. "It's not often I forget. But so many people
came rushing in during those few minutes, and all so excited--"

"Before the excitement, Clausen. A little while before, possibly
just before."

"Oh, now I recall him! Yes, Mr. Brotherson went out of my door
not many minutes before the cry upstairs. I forgot because I had
stepped back from the door to hand a lady the muff she had dropped,
and it was at that minute he went out. I just got a glimpse of his
back as he passed into the street."

"But you are sure of that back?"

"I don't know another like it, when he wears that big coat of his.
But Jim can tell you, sir. He was in the cafe up to that minute,
and that's where Mr. Brotherson usually goes first."

"Very well; send up Jim. Tell him I have some orders to give him."