“Good-day, Monsieur,” he said politely. “Is there anything you wish?”
“Are you the concierge?” I asked.
“Since this morning only, Monsieur,” he answered.
“Can you tell me what has become of your predecessor?”
“I did not know him, Monsieur.”
I looked at the man sharply, but he returned my gaze without winking.
“How, then, did you obtain the place?” I asked.
“The concierge of the next house, who is a friend of mine, told me there was a vacancy here, so I came and was accepted.”
I looked at him again. If he was lying, he was doing it admirably and with a perfect composure.
“Very well, my friend,” I said at last. “I trust you will do your duty better than your predecessor. Yesterday my room, which is on the third floor, was entered and some property carried away. You will oblige me by keeping an eye upon my room,” and I laid a crown upon the table, for I reflected that I could lose nothing by gaining the friendship of this man, who might, perhaps, be able to assist me.