HOLMLOCK SHEARS AND Wilson were let out at eleven o'clock and ... taken to the nearest police-station, where the commissary, after cross-questioning them severely, released them with the most exasperating pretences of courtesy:
"Gentlemen, I am grieved beyond measure at your mishap. You will have a poor opinion of our French hospitality. Lord, what a night you must have spent! Upon my word, Lupin might have shown you more consideration!"
They took a cab to the Élysée-Palace. Wilson went to the office and asked for the key of his room.
The clerk looked through the visitors' book and replied, in great surprise:
"But you gave up your room this morning, sir!"
"What do you mean? How did I give up my room?"
"You sent us a letter by your friend."
"What friend?"
"Why, the gentleman who bro
