Ashton-Kirk handed him a coin.
"When you go into Parlor F," said he, "forget what you have learned. Be clumsy. Make a noise. Do something that will draw people's attention to you for a little."
Again Gustave grinned.
"I will forget," said he, slipping the coin into a pocket. "The peoples will not be pleased, but I will forget."
That he kept his promise was evinced by sundry crashes and exclamations which came from Parlor F shortly after; and in the midst of these Ashton-Kirk entered the room adjoining and unlocked the communicating door. Then Gustave retired, followed by a series of remarks in a voice that was strange to the secret agent, and for a few moments there was no sound save the clinking and clash of glasses.
"Such a clown," said the voice, "such a clown to be sent to serve gentlefolks. It could happen in no other country but this."
"Will you please come to the matter in hand?" said the gentle voice of Okiu. "You sent for us for a specific purpose, and we should be greatly obliged if you would hold to that, Mr. Karkowsky."
Karkowsky laughed in the manner of a man who was very well contented with himself.
"Of course, of course," said he. "Business is always a pleasure to me. Especially very profitable business such as this will prove to be."