met before this morning, Jules.'

'Yes, sir, at 3 a.m.'

'Rather strange about Miss Spencer's departure, is it not?' suggested
Racksole.

'It is remarkable, sir.'

'You are aware, of course, that Mr Babylon has transferred all his
interests in this hotel to me?'

'I have been informed to that effect, sir.'

'I suppose you know everything that goes on in the hotel, Jules?'

'As the head waiter, sir, it is my business to keep a general eye on
things.'

'You speak very good English for a foreigner, Jules.'

'For a foreigner, sir! I am an Englishman, a Hertfordshire man born
and bred. Perhaps my name has misled you, sir. I am only called Jules
because the head waiter of any really high-class hotel must have either
a French or an Italian name.'

'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, unless one
of them goes, the hotel is likely to suffer. I will go, Mr Racksole. In
fact, I had already thought of giving notice.'

The millionaire smiled appreciatively. 'What wages do you require in
lieu of notice? It is my intention that you leave the hotel within an
hour.'

'I require no wages in lieu of notice, sir. I would scorn to accept
anything. And I will leave the hotel in fifteen minutes.'

'Good-day, then. You have my good wishes and my admiration, so long as
you keep out of my hotel.'

Racksole got up. 'Good-day, sir. And thank you.'

'By the way, Jules, it will be useless for you to apply to any other
first-rate European hotel for a po