For example, have you yet heard about Miss Spencer ?' 'No,' said Racksole.

'What of her ?' 'She has mysteriously vanished during the night, and nobody appears to be able to throw any light on the affair.

Her room is empty, her boxes gone.
You will want someone to take her place, and that someone will not be very easy to get.' 'H'm!' Racksole said, after a pause.

'Hers is not the only post that falls vacant to-day.' A little later, the millionaire installed himself in the late owner's private room and rang the bell.
'I want Jules,' he said to the page.
While waiting for Jules, Racksole considered the question of Miss Spencer's disappearance.
'Good morning, Jules,' was his cheerful greeting, when the imperturbable waiter arrived.
'Good morning, sir.' 'Take a chair.' 'Thank you, sir.' 'We have met before this morning, Jules.' 'Yes, sir, at 3 a.m.' 'Rather strange about Miss Spencer's departure, is it not ?' suggested Racksole.
'It is remarkable, sir.' 'You are aware, of course, that Mr Babylon has transferred all his interests in this hotel to me ?' 'I have been informed to that effect, sir.' 'I suppose you know everything that goes on in the hotel, Jules ?' 'As the head waiter, sir, it is my business to keep a general eye on things.' 'You speak very good English for a foreigner, Jules.' 'For a foreigner, sir! I am an Englishman, a Hertfordshire man born and bred.

Perhaps my name has misled you, sir.