"Hold the waiter until I can speak to him," said Ashton-Kirk. He considered a moment. "This Parlor F," he added, "does it communicate with any other room?"
"Yes, with Parlor G."
"Excellent!" After a few more questions to which the clerk returned pointed answers, Ashton-Kirk gave Fuller and Burgess some low-voiced instructions. "And now," he said to the clerk, "I will see the waiter, if you please."
The man was a Swede with sandy hair and mild blue eyes; and his name was Gustave.
"Gustave," said the secret agent, "how long have you been a waiter?"
"Fifteen years," replied the Swede.
"In that time," said Ashton-Kirk, "you should have learned your business pretty well."
Gustave grinned mildly.
"Oh, yes," said he.