"There is a detective always in
attendance on the premises. Send for him now, and let us hear what he
says."
"Very well, Mr. Stanley," I said, "your explanations all sound very
reasonable. I am to take it, then, that if Mr. Guest desired to--say
leave the hotel to-morrow, no one would make any objection!"
Mr. Stanley was almost distressed.
"Objection! My dear sir! Mr. Guest is his own master, is he not? He pays
his own bill, and he leaves when he likes. At present, of course, he is
not able to, but that is simply a matter of health."
"I am proposing," I said, "to take Mr. Guest away with me into the
country to-morrow."
Mr. Stanley looked at me steadily. There was a subtle change in his face.
I was watching him closely, and I saw the glint of his eyes behind his
spectacles. I began to think I had been rash to lay my cards upon the
table.
"I am afraid," he said gently, "that you are proposing what would
be--certain death to Mr. Guest--in his present state of health."
"I am afraid," I replied, "that if I leave him here, it will also be--to
certain death!"
Mr.
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