"Let me see," he said, tapping Rupert on the shoulder, "you are the bell-boy who came near being murdered by a crank?"
"Yes, sir."
"You escaped very cleverly. You are evidently a sharp boy. Keep your eyes open, don't you?"
"Yes, sir; except when I'm asleep."
"We detectives have to keep our eyes open all the time, but we can't be everywhere at once. Now I feel a little inclined to make you my deputy—not permanently, but for a time."
"All right, sir."
"Have you noticed rather a flashy young man, looking like a dude, with an eyeglass and cane?"
"Yes, sir; he is frequently in the hotel."
"You know, of course, that he isn't a guest?"