At last I found an hotel, where I could have a small garret, against which arrangement I had not the slightest objection in the circumstances. The caf downstairs looked rather peculiar, with a great number of looking-glasses, and ladies with powdered faces. These seemed not averse to closer relations with me, but when I pretended not to understand a single word of French, they soon gave it up, and showed no further desire for my friendship. But I could see quite well that they discussed the question whether I was a German officer or a spy?"3. That everything that may appear hostile to the German army must be avoided with the utmost care.It was nearly four o'clock before Prout raised the trail. On the previous day but one a cashier at the National Credit Bank had changed 400 in gold into notes for a stranger who answered to the description of the murdered man. Prout dashed down to Leadenhall Street in a fast hansom. The cashier was a little nervous, but quite willing to speak freely.There was nothing in the kitchen, but there were some boxes in the storeroom beyond--a tin or two of sardines and some biscuits. Also in a wine cellar Leona found a flask or two of Chianti.The Countess smote her fan on her gloves passionately.