"I wish to enter." "No one is permitted to enter, monsieur," the man replied.
Hunterleys stared blankly at the gendarme.
"Can't you tell me at least what has happened ?" he persisted.

"I am Sir Henry Hunterleys.

That is my apartment.

Why do I find it locked against me ?" "By order of the Director of the Police, monsieur," was the parrot-like reply.
Hunterleys turned away impatiently.

At that moment the reception clerk who downstairs had fled at his approach, returned, bringing with him the manager of the hotel.