“And pray who are you?” demanded the police officer bluntly. “Please explain.”
Hugh was rather nonplussed. The question required explanation, no doubt. It would, he saw, appear very curious that he should visit Mademoiselle of Monte Carlo at that late hour.
“I—well, I called upon Mademoiselle because I wished to obtain some important information from her.”
“What information? Rather late for a call, surely?”
The young Englishman hesitated. Then, with true British grit, he assumed an attitude of boldness, and asked:
“Am I compelled to answer that question?”
“I am Charles Ogier, chief inspector of the Surete of Monaco, and I press for a reply,” answered the other firmly.
“And I, Hugh Henfrey, a British subject, at present decline to satisfy you,” was the young man’s bold response.
“Is the lady still alive?” inquired the inspector of Doctor Leneveu.
“Yes. I have ordered her to be taken up to her room—of course, when m’sieur the inspector gives permission.”