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 He cautiously slipped to the keyhole, and, stooping, tried to reconnoitre. No use, the key-hole was closed by something, possibly the key. At this time everything and everybody boded danger until otherwise proven. He listened attentively for any sound, however slight, that might betray the age, nature, or occupation of the woman next door. All was silent.

Presently the waiter returned, knocked, and was admitted. He could hear the soft swish of a silk petticoat as its owner moved toward the door. But there was no response to Gustave's voluble comments. Then the door closed again, and the knocking was repeated, this time at his own room. He opened to the summons and watched the officious little Frenchman as he set down the tray.

"Number 12 was taken, then," Valdeck remarked, "and who might the lady be?"

"Oh, elderly, elderly," Gustave commented, as if to allay any hopes on the part of Number 14. "A woman at least of fifty, and of a silentness, not to say abruptness. Would it be believed, she arrived with only two hand-bags, and appeared not at all to care what she spent. Had 279