The incident, inexplicable though it was, would have passed at once from his memory, but that directly he entered the hotel he was conscious of the very similar behaviour and attitude towards him of the chief reception clerk.

He paused on his way, a little bewildered, and called the man to him.

The clerk, however, was already rushing towards the office with his coat-tails flying behind him.
Hunterleys crossed the floor and rang the bell for the lift.

Directly he stepped in, the lift man vacated his place, and with his eyes nearly starting out of his head, seemed about to make a rush for his life.
"Come back here," Hunterleys ordered sternly.

"Take me up to my room at once." The man returned unsteadily and with marked reluctance.