He ignored altogether the conclusion of Hunterleys' sentence.
"It is against the rules, monsieur," he regretted.
"Then to whom shall I apply ?" Hunterleys asked, "because I may as well tell you at once that I am going to insist upon my request being granted.

I will tell you frankly my reason.

It is not a matter of curiosity at all.

I should like to feel assured of the fact that this man Allen really committed suicide." "But he is dead, monsieur," the Commissioner protested.
"Doubtless," Hunterleys agreed, "but there is also the chance that he was murdered, isn't there ?" "Murdered!" Monsieur Picard held up his hands in horror.

The Commissioner of Police smiled in derision.
"But, monsieur," the latter pointed out, "who would take the trouble to murder a poverty-stricken tailor's assistant!" "And in my hotel, too!" Monsieur Picard intervened.
"The thing is impossible," the Commissioner declared.
"Beyond which it is ridiculous!" Monsieur Picard added.
Hunterleys sat quite silent for a moment.
"Monsieur the Commissioner," he said presently, "and Monsieur Picard, I recognise your point of view.