The extraordinary story told by Curtis, if true--and the detective was persuaded that this curiously constituted young man was not trying to hoodwink him in any particular--pointed a ready way toward investigation.

The unfortunate journalist, Hunter, was about to enter the Central Hotel when he was attacked so mercilessly.

As a consequence, some knowledge of de Courtois was probably awaiting the first questioner at the inquiry counter.

What a whimsical incongruity it would be if he were told that the French music-master around whom the inquiry pivoted was within arm's length all the time! He had actually turned to the door in order to summon the hotel clerk when that worthy himself knocked and entered.
"The Earl of Valletort is here, and wishes to have a word with you, Mr.
Steingall," he said.
The detective's present grim conceit ran somewhat to the effect that if he remained long enough in the Central Hotel he would accumulate sufficient evidence to electrocute three criminals, at least, and send others to the penitentiary, but he merely nodded and said: "Show his lordship right in." He was conscious of a dramatic pause in the conversation which had broken out between the others.

Once again had Mrs.Curtis been rendered dumb by the shock of an unforeseen development.