"You know what is expected of you?" Dave asked the waiter, in an undertone.
"Yes, Master," replied the man, a Maltese who spoke English with an odd accent.
"Then I will follow you," Darrin added.
At the heels of the waiter Dave went through a narrow corridor, then climbed a flight of stairs.
Pausing before a door, the waiter knocked softly, four times.
"Entrez, s'il vous plaît" ("Come in, if you please"), a voice answered.
Throwing open the door, the waiter bowed and swiftly departed.
Ensign Dave Darrin stepped inside, closed the door, and found himself face to face with the Count of Surigny.
That young Frenchman, his face unwontedly pale, searched Dave's face with his eyes.
"You are not glad to see me," he said at last.