"Yes, that's it," he said coldly.
A few minutes later Mr. Randolph in person appeared. He glanced at Hatch with a little surprise in his manner, nodded curtly, then turned to the detectives.
He could not add to the information the servant had given. His plate had been returned, pre-paid. The matter was at an end so far as he was concerned. There seemed to be no need of further investigation.
"How about the jewelry that was stolen from your other guests?" demanded Detective Mallory.
"Of course, there's that," said Mr. Randolph. "It had passed out of my mind."
"Instead of being at an end this case has just begun," the detective declared emphatically.
Mr. Randolph seemed to have no further interest in the matter. He started out, then turned back at the door, and made a slight motion to Hatch which the reporter readily understood. As a result Hatch and Mr. Randolph were closeted together in a small room across the hall a few minutes later.
"May I ask your occupation, Mr. Hatch?" inquired Mr. Randolph.
"I'm a reporter," was the reply.
"A reporter?" Mr. Randolph seemed surprised. "Of course, when I saw you in Mr. Herbert's rooms," he went on after a little pause, "I met you only as his friend. You saw what happened there. Now, may I ask you what you intend to publish about this affair?"