'I see,' said Racksole. 'I think you must be rather a clever person,
Jules.'

'That is not for me to say, sir.'

'How long has the hotel enjoyed the advantage of your services?'

'A little over twenty years.'

'That is a long time to be in one place. Don't you think it's time you
got out of the rut? You are still young, and might make a
reputation for yourself in another and wider sphere.'

Racksole looked at the man steadily, and his glance was steadily
returned.

'You aren't satisfied with me, sir?'

'To be frank, Jules, I think - I think you - er - wink too much. And I
think that it is regrettable when a head waiter falls into a habit of
taking white ribbons from the handles of bedroom doors at three in
the morning.'

Jules started slightly.

'I see how it is, sir. You wish me to go, and one pretext, if I may
use the term, is as good as another. Very well, I can't say that I'm
surprised. It sometimes happens that there is incompatibility of
temper between a hotel proprietor and his head waiter, and then,