"I want you to give me some information concerning one of your guests.

I believe I am right in saying that you have an Italian gentleman, named Gairdi, staying at your hotel ?" "That is certainly so," he admitted.

"I hope there is nothing against him ?" "It is rather soon to say that," I said.

"I am suspicious of the man--and I want to ask you a few questions concerning him." "As many as you like," he returned.

"I cannot say, however, that I know very much about him.