"Yes; I had a visitor, but fortunately he was caught without securing anything. He was about to take my pocketbook when I woke up. I was lucky, for I might have found myself unable to pay my bill here."
"We would have given you time. We can tell by your face that you are honest."
"Thank you. Has Buffington been taken from his room yet?"
"Buffington? I don't know any such name."
"That is what he gave me as his name."
"He is down on our books as Lawrence Perkins."
"He seems to have more than one name."
"He may have a dozen. Such gentry usually do. I will send you a couple of policemen and have him taken round to the station-house."
Two policemen were summoned and soon made their appearance. They went up-stairs, preceded by the clerk. He opened the door of the adventurer's room and entered.
"He isn't here!" he exclaimed in surprise, turning to the two officers.