“I rang them up immediately. They said they would go out at once. James has gone back also. He will stay and lend a hand until you arrive.”
“Splendid! It’s more than good of you both, Miss Hazelton. I can’t thank you enough. I’ll be there in less than an hour.”
He delayed only to tell the news to the manager.
“There’s the explanation of this afternoon’s affair at all events,” he declared. “I was evidently fixed up so that I couldn’t butt in and spoil sport. But it’s good-bye to your keeping it quiet. The police have been called in already and the whole thing is bound to come out.”
The manager made a gesture of concern.
“I’m sorry to hear your news,” he said gravely. “Are you properly insured?”
“Partially. I don’t know if it will cover the loss because I don’t know what’s gone. But I must be getting away.”
He was moving off, but the manager laid a detaining hand on his arm.
“Well, I’m extremely sorry about it. But see here, Mr. Cheyne, it may not prove to be necessary to bring in about the drugging. It would injure the hotel. I sincerely trust you’ll do what you can in the matter, and if you find the private detective sufficient, you’ll let our arrangement stand.”
“I’ll decide when I hear just what has happened. You’ll let me have a copy of the analyst’s report?”