"Where's the chief waiter?"
"Here," said that functionary, approaching.
"Come here. You may retire," said Buttons to the others. They went out reluctantly.
"Now, my friend," said he, putting some piastres in the hand of the chief waiter. "Think, and answer me right. Where are the Spaniards --a gentleman and two ladies--who came here with us?"
"They have left the city."
"When?"
"At six this morning, by the first train."
"Why did they leave?"
"A hint came from the Commandant."
"From him. Ah! What about?"