Lépine motioned the clerk to be seated, and himself sat down facing him.
"Tell me all that you remember of the transaction," he said.
"It was Tuesday afternoon, sir," the clerk began, "about four o'clock, I should say, that a man came to the counter and stated that he desired a stateroom, with two berths, second-class, for the Prinzsessin Ottilie, the sailing of yesterday."
"What sort of a man?" asked Lépine.
"A thin man, past middle-age. His hair was quite grey and he was of a dark complexion, with very bright eyes."
"What language did he use?"
"He spoke in English, sir."
"Fluently?"
"Quite fluently, sir."
"Very well; proceed."