In response to a bell a man in livery entered, and, with the deference of an inferior, asked for instructions. The manager, with an austere manner that contrasted with his previous geniality, ordered: “Go to the bureau and ask whether the baroness—what is the name, Mr Herrion?” The man started and looked surreptitiously at the detective. Herrion frowned and said, “The Baroness von Sassniltz, signor.”
As the man closed the door to go on his errand, the inspector said: “I’m sorry you disclosed my identity to that man. Who is he? Has he been long in the service of the hotel?”
“Ah, I’m very sorry, Mr Herrion. I did not think it would matter down here in this old office of mine. Again, Mr Herrion, I see my mistake. I am sorry.”
The messenger returned, and said, “The Baroness von Sassniltz is staying in the hotel, signor, with her maid, the Fräulein Schneider.”
“Thank you,” and, as the man glared at the detective again, the manager repeated, “You can go.”
Herrion followed him to the door and proceeded to talk to the manager. Suddenly wheeling, the officer opened the door and hauled from without the messenger.
“You were listening to our talk outside,” he said to the man, and turning to the manager, asked: “Do you know this man, signor? I don’t think you will find him a very good servant for such an aristocratic hotel as the Royal.”
The little manager rose from his chair and said furiously: “Go! go at once, this hotel is no place for a man like you. Go! I tell you, go, and I will see to it that you do not stay in Nice.”
The man attempted to explain, but the manager of a Riviera hotel is a despot in such matters, and the good name of a hotel must not be smirched by an inferior servant.
When the man had gone, Herrion continued his talk: “The Baroness von Sassniltz is very wealthy, signor, and she carries with her jewellery that is almost priceless. These people who will carry jewellery around with them are a great trouble to us. Before I intruded in your office I saw a man in the foyer, who is one of the most accomplished thieves in Europe. He is not here for a good purpose. That messenger whom I hauled, sans cérémonie, into the room, is, I have reason to believe, in league with this other criminal. I have seen a man skulking around at night in the costume of what might be the Quartier Latin of Paris, but he looks more like an Apache, and I strongly suspect this is the same man.”