As I entered the bureau I met Bauer coming out of it.

He seemed rather startled at our encounter, but told me readily enough that he had been telegraphing for rooms at Wintenberg, a very needless precaution, since there was no danger of the hotel being full.

In fact I was annoyed, as I especially wished to avoid calling attention to my arrival.

However, the mischief was done, and to rebuke my servant might have aggravated it by setting his wits at work to find out my motive for secrecy.

So I said nothing, but passed by him with a nod.