On his way there he turned into St.James' Square, and stood for several moments looking at the corner house on the far side.

Finally, after a hesitation which seldom characterized his movements, he crossed the road and rang the bell.

The door was opened almost at once by a Japanese butler.
"Is your master at home ?" the Inspector asked.
"His Highness does not see strangers," the man replied coldly.
"Will you take him my card ?" the Inspector asked.
The man bowed, and showed him into an apartment on the ground floor.
Then with the card in his hand, he turned reluctantly away.
"His Highness shall be informed that you are here," he said.

"I fear, however, that you waste your time.

I go to see." Inspector Jacks subsided into a bamboo chair and looked out of the window with a frown upon his forehead.