NEVERTHELESS, sundry small things weighed on Racksole's mind.

First there was Jules' wink.

Then there was the ribbon on the door-handle and Jules' visit to No.

111, and the broken window--broken from the outside.
Racksole did not forget that the time was 3 a.m.He slept but little that night, but he was glad that he had bought the Grand Babylon Hotel.
It was an acquisition which seemed to promise fun and diversion.
The next morning he came across Mr Babylon early.

'I have emptied my private room of all personal papers,' said Babylon, 'and it is now at your disposal.
I purpose, if agreeable to yourself, to stay on in the hotel as a guest for the present.