"Gentlemen, I am grieved beyond measure at your mishap. You will have a poor opinion of our French hospitality. Lord, what a night you must have spent! Upon my word, Lupin might have shown you more consideration!"
They took a cab to the Élysée-Palace. Wilson went to the office and asked for the key of his room.
The clerk looked through the visitors' book and replied, in great surprise:
"But you gave up your room this morning, sir!"
"What do you mean? How did I give up my room?"
"You sent us a letter by your friend."
"What friend?"
"Why, the gentleman who brought us your letter.... Here it is, with your card enclosed."
Wilson took the letter and the enclosure. It was certainly one of his visiting-cards and the letter was in his writing:
"Good Lord!" he muttered. "Here's another nasty trick." And he added, anxiously, "What about the luggage?"