We came over by the same train." The reception clerk stepped forward and smilingly acknowledged my greeting.

He bowed, also, to my companion.
"We are very pleased to see you, Miss Delora," he said.

"We were expecting you and Mr.Delora to-night." "My uncle came on at once from the station," she said, "He was not feeling very well." The clerk bowed, but seemed a little puzzled.
"Will you tell me where I can find Mr.Delora ?" she asked.
"Mr.Delora has not yet arrived, madam," the clerk answered.
She looked at him for a moment, speechless.
"Not arrived ?" I interrupted.

"Surely you must be mistaken, Dean! He left Charing Cross half an hour before us." The clerk shook his head.
"I am quite sure, Captain Rotherby," he said, "that Mr.Delora has not been here to claim his rooms.

He may have entered the hotel from the other side, and be in the smoking-room or the American bar, but he has not been here." There was a couch close by, and my companion sat down.