The man obeyed sulkily.
“I’ve done no wrong,” he said, “I was only trying to—”
“Watch this man,” said Carver. “Now give me the key of Lander’s room.”
The man took down a key from the hook and threw it on the counter.
Rex Lander’s suite was empty as Carver had expected.
“I want a thorough search made of these rooms,” he said to the sergeant. “I will leave you a man to help you. All stations must be maintained until they are withdrawn. He may come in late.”
He waited for half-an-hour inside the hall but though there was a constant procession of cars and cabs laden with people returning from the theatres, there was no sight of Rex Lander.
The hall porter became informative.
“I’ve got a wife and three children. I don’t want to get into any trouble. What do you want Mr. Lander for?”
“I’ll not tell you,” said Carver curtly.