"No," said Ricardo. "It was just ten o'clock when we reached the Majestic."
"You reached your hotel at ten," Hanaud repeated. "Did you walk straight from here?"
"Yes."
"Then you left here about a quarter to ten. And we know that Mme. Dauvray was back at the villa soon after nine. Yes—they could not have been here last night," Hanaud agreed, and sat for a moment silent. Then he turned to the head waiter.
"Have you noticed any woman with Mme. Dauvray and her companion lately?"
"No, monsieur. I do not think so."
"Think! A woman, for instance, with red hair."
Harry Wethermill started forward. Mr. Ricardo stared at Hanaud in amazement. The waiter reflected.
"No, monsieur. I have seen no woman with red hair."
"Thank you," said Hanaud, and the waiter moved away.