I've got a
wonderful memory for faces, and I know. Several fellows asked
me afterwards what he was doing there. I was told by someone that
he was one of your waiters, but I didn't believe that. I know
nothing of the Grand Babylon; it's not quite my style of tavern, but
I don't think you'd send one of your own waiters to watch my
guests - unless, of course, you sent him as a waiter; and this chap
didn't do any waiting, though he did his share of drinking.'
'Perhaps I can throw some light on this mystery,' said Racksole. 'I
may tell you that I was already aware that man had attended your
ball uninvited.'
'How did you get to know?'
'By pure chance, Mr Levi, and not by inquiry. That man was a
former waiter at this hotel - the head waiter, in fact - Jules. No
doubt you have heard of him.'
'Not I,' said Mr Levi positively.
'Ah!' said Racksole, 'I was informed that everyone knew Jules, but
it appears not. Well, be that as it may, previously to the night of
your ball, I had dismissed Jules. I had ordered him never to enter
the Babylon again.
But on that evening I encountered him here - not in the Gold
Room, but in the hotel itself. I asked him to explain his presence,
and he stated he was your guest. That is all I know of the matter,
Mr Levi, and I am extremely sorry that you should have thought
me capable of the enormity of placing a private detective among
your guests.
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