He had met the fellow before.

But where?
"What sort of clothes does a vintner wear ?" he asked.
"A vintner, your Excellency ?" "Yes.

I shall need the costume of a vintner this evening." "Oh, that will be easy," affirmed the concierge, "if your excellency does not mind wearing clothes that have already been worn." "My excellency will not care a hang.

Procure them as soon as you can." So it came about that Carmichael, dressed as a vintner, his hat over his eyes, stole into the misty night and took the way to the Krumerweg.

He knew exactly where he wished to go: number forty.