tell you
that I object. I've called as a matter of principle. I'm not angry; it's
the principle of the thing.'

'My dear Mr Levi,' said Racksole, 'I assure you that, having let the
Gold Room to a private individual for a private entertainment, I should
never dream of doing what you suggest.'

'Straight?' asked Mr Sampson Levi, using his own picturesque language.

'Straight,' said Racksole smiling.

'There was a gent present at my ball that I didn't ask. I've got
a wonderful memory for faces, and I know. Several fellows asked me
afterwards what he was doing there. I was told by someone that he was
one of your waiters, but I didn't believe that. I know nothing of the
Grand Babylon; it's not quite my style of tavern, but I don't think
you'd send one of your own waiters to watch my guests--unless, of
course, you sent him as a waiter; and this chap didn't do any waiting,
though he did his share of drinking.'

'Perhaps I can throw some light on this mystery,' said Racksole. 'I
may tell you that I was already aware that man had attended your ball
uninvited.'

'How did you get to know?'

'By pure chance, Mr Levi, and not by inquiry. That man was a former
waiter at this hotel--the head waiter, in fact--Jules. No doubt you have
heard of him.'

'Not I,' said Mr Levi positively.

'Ah!' said Racksole, 'I was informed that everyone knew Jules, but it
appears not. Well, be that as it may, previously to the night of your
ball, I had dismissed Jules. I had ordered him never to enter the
Babylon again.

But on that evening I encountered him here--not in the Gold Room, but in
the hotel itself. I asked him to explain his presence, and he stated
he was your guest. That is all I know of the matter, Mr Levi, and I am
extremely sorry that you should have thought me capable of the enormity
of placing a private detective among your guests.'

'This is perfectly satisfactory to me,' Mr Sampson Levi said, after a
pause.

'I only wanted an explanation, and I've got it. I was told by some pals
of mine in the City I might rely on Mr Theodore Racksole going straight
to the point, and I'm glad they were right. Now as to that feller
Jules, I shall make my own inquiries as to him. Might I ask you why you
dismissed him?'

'I don't know why I dismissed him.'

'You don't know? Oh! come now! I'm only asking because I thought you
might be able to give me a hint why he turned up uninvited at my ball.
Sorry if I'm too inquisitive.'

'Not a