"SO LONG AT THE FAIR" "Johnny!" " Johnny!" " What is it now?" " We're nearly there." " Where?" "Marseille, of course, don't you want to have a look?" " No, thank you." " Aren't you interested?" "Not very." "I've seen it before, you know ." "You old stick in the mud." "Johnny, when we get to Paris, how long are we going to be there?" " Two days." " Can't we possibly stay a week?" "Good heavens, no." "I had a hard enough time getting a room for two nights." "with the Exhibition starting on Monday." "We shan't see very much in two days, shall we?" "Who said we were gonna see it at all?" "Spoilsport!" "Now look, if it will make you happy, and keep you quiet we'll try for a week." "But I think it's pretty hopeless." "They say here they're expecting 20 million visitors in Paris." "Thank you Johnny, darling." " You know, you're very sweet really." " I know." " What's the name of our hotel?" " Hotel de la Licorne." " What does it mean?" " Hotel of the unicorn." "You know, before this holiday is over, you're gonna be sorry you slept through all those French lessons." "Nonsense!" "I can speak French beautifully." "Hotel de la Licorne!" "Hotel de la Licorne!" "Paris!" "Paris!" "Would you mind bringing the bags in?" "Yes, Monsieur." "No, sorry." "The hotel is full." "I'm sorry but there is nothing we can do." "Sorry..." "Sir, the hotel is full." "It's impossible." "But I booked rooms." " Oh, you booked rooms?" " Yes." " For when?" " For tonight." "I wrote to you from Naples." "Sorry, please, wait a minute." "What's the name?" "Barton." " The room for Mr. Barton?" " Yes, it is reserved." "Monsieur!" "A moment.." "Monsieur and Madame Barton?" "Monsieur and Mademoiselle Barton." "Oh, yes, Mr. Barton and sister." "Yes, I have two rooms for you." "17 and 19 on the first floor." "Splendid." "If you will kindly sign here." "Thank you." " May I sign, Johnny?" "Ah, bags!" "There's one missing." "Where is the other suitcase?" "Pardon, sir?" "Where is the other suitcase?" "This is all of them, sir." "There should be five." "Five." "No, Monsieur." "They must have be left it in the cab." "I won't be a second." "You must be very tired, Mademoiselle, after so much traveling." "Well, I'm much too excited to be tired." "I've never seen Paris before." "I'm looking forward to the Exhibition." " You must have a program." " Thank you." "I hope you will enjoy our first visit to our beautiful capital." " You have found it?" " Yes, I have, thank you." "The keys, 17 and 19." "I hope you will be very comfortable." "Thank you very much." " What numbers, Madame?" " 17 and 19." "Which one are you gonna have, 17 or 19?" "Oh, here we are," "I'd like a room with a view if possible." "Give me a room with a comfortable bed, and the view." "The bed's alright, what's the view like?" "Not bad." "But not good, it looks out onto the courtyard." "What do you expect?" "The Eiffel Tower?" "No, but it would be nice to see something of Paris in your window." "Come on, let's look at 17." "This room's alright for me." "Oh, that one thereÉhere." " Oh, I understand." " Thank you." "Johnny, look!" "The Eiffel Tower!" "Isn't it wonderful" "Would you take me up it tomorrow?" "What?" "Up that thing?" "But wouldn't it be marvelous to be one of the first two people to go up it?" "I will see." "I take it you like this room?" "Yes, it's charming." "Do you think I'm being dreadfully greedy?" "Positively rapacious." "MadameÉMademoiselle rests here." "Very good, Monsieur." "Vicky, have you got the French money?" "I've got the fifty franc note you gave me this morning." "No, no, that's too much." "He'll have to be content with an English shilling." " Thank you very much." " Thank you, Monsieur." "A schilling to bring in the luggage!" "This is incredible." "I think we've mortally offended him." "I'll make it up with him tomorrow." " Johnny!" " Now what?" "May we dine out tonight?" "Your first night in Paris?" "Aren't you tired?" " No, not a bit." " Well, you ought to be, I am." "Well, wouldn't it be lovely to go to one of the places in Montmartre?" " Wouldn't it be lovely to be poisoned." " I'll taste everything first, I promise." " Can you be ready in an hour and a half?" " Yes, of course." " Alright." " Thank you." "I'll call you at eight o'clock." "Good bye." " Monsieur." " Mademoiselle." " Mademoiselle, let me?" " Thank you." "Here you are." "Mademoiselle, you go to the Exhibition?" "Oh yes, of course." "It's magnificent." "You permit, I show you something." "Look." "It'sÉhow do you call in England?" "My sweetheart, yes?" "Oh, your fiancŽ." "Yes, fiancŽ." "I go with him very high up." "You mean, you're going up in the balloon, too?" "Yes, I go tomorrow with Louis." "Such a special act." ""Nina and Louis."" "You will come and look, Mademoiselle?" "Oh, I'd love to." "Very good, you will enjoy it very much." "Come in." " You ready?" " Of course." " Good night, Mademoiselle." " Good night, Nina." " Good night." " Good night." " Johnny, have you unpacked yet?" " Yes, why?" "I thought it might be nice to wear the brooch tonight." "We can pick it up on the way down." "You can have it now if you like." "You weren't gonna keep it in your pocket, surely?" "Better than leaving it lying around in a strange hotel." "You never know with foreigners." "Alright." "Come on, I'm hungry." "I want my dinner." "Smell of paint." "Oh, didn't you know?" "I've had the place entirely redecorated for your benefit." "You think of everything, don't you?" "Seriously, the trouble they've taken up in this Exhibition." "They've done the hotel up especially." "And they haven't finished yet as far as I can see." "Mind the paint!" "Sorry, Mademoiselle, this floor should have been finished yesterday." "I am so sorry.." "It's quite alright." "Wait a minute." "I beg your pardon." "Good night." "Good night." "Oh, there you are George." "Oh, I do hope I haven't kept you waiting?" "Not at all, it's only a quarter past eight." "A thousand apologies." "I loathe punctuality, don't you?" "Yes." " Who is the pretty girl?" " I haven't the least idea." "Cab!" "Where are you taking us, George?" "I'm entirely at your service." "Where would you like to go?" "Well, I'm wanting to go to one of the little places in Montmarte." "You know, where they eat on the pavement." "We shall all be stabbed in the back!" "Johnny, aren't you going to finish your Bombon GlacŽ Surprise?" "Surprise (correcting her pronunciation)." "No, I'm not very hungry." "I expect your excited." "Nonsense, I'm not in the least excited." "I'm just tired, that's all." "I don't understand you, I really don't." "Paris is so much lovelier than I ever dreamed it would be." "I've decided to have my honeymoon here." "Oh really?" "Have you have anyone special in mind, Miss Barton?" "No, but anything can happen in Paris." "It's in the air." "I believe he thinks we're newlywedsÉ except that you look so miserable." "I'm sorry, but I should be alright when we finish our food and we can go back to the hotel and I can go to bed." "You said you'd take me onto the Moulin Rouge." "Oh, not tonight, Vicky." "You promised.." "Alright." "We can only stay half an hour, understand?" "Yes, of course." " What are you doing with that?" " I'm taking it home as a souvenir." " They won't mind, will they?" " No, it's alright, they'll charge you extra on the bill." "Good evening." "Who's that?" "I haven't the least idea." "17 and 19." "17 and 19." "17, 19." "Here you are, Monsieur." "Could you get me a small brandy please?" "Would you like to have it here or in your bedroom?" " Thank you, here." " Yes, Monsieur." "You look tired, Johnny." "I hope you'll be alright in the morning." "Otherwise, it'll spoil all your fun." " You mean all your fun, don't you?" " No, of course not." "Don't worry, I'll be fit as a fiddle by then." "I'll come and drag you out at 9 o'clock." "Alright, off to bed now." "Oh, I better have the crown jewels." "Good night." "Good night." "Thank you for a lovely evening.." "Sleep well." " Good night." " Good night.." " Your cognac, Monsieur." " Thank you." "Thank you, George." "I'll join you in a minute." "Sí, sí, espere." " Rhoda, do you happen to have any money on you?" " I don't think so, why?" "The cabbie can't change this." "I'm sorry, George, I have nothing." "And I gave my last franc to that horrid musician." "I wish I hadn't now." "I'll try at the desk." "When you were dancing, did he say anything?" "He said he loved Paris." "Loved his studio, loved his painting, he loved dancing." "But he didn't say anything about loving me." "You don't encourage him, Rhoda." "That's the trouble." "How do you expect him to make up his mind if you don't help him?" "Where would you be if I hadn't made up your father's mind?" "Really, mom!" "What an improper question." "Pardon, Monsieur." "Yes, can I help you?" "Oh, English." "Thank heavens." "Would you mind changing it?" "I can't pay my cab fare." "Yes certainly, how much is it?" "100 francs." "I can't do it." "I can lend you 50, if that's any help." " You're sure you don't mind?" " Not at all." "Thanks." "Would you like this now or will tomorrow morning do?" "Oh, tomorrow morning's perfectly alright." "I'll leave it at the desk." "Better have you name." "Barton, room 19." "Barton, room 19." " Haven't we met somewhere before?" " I don't think so." "Didn't I see you with your wife tonight at the CafŽ BrisŽ?" "No, it's not my wife." "It's my sister, as a matter of fact." "Oh, I see." "Bad luck." " Good night." " Good night." "What a lovely morning for the Exhibition." "Do hurry, mother George will be here in an instant." "I am hurrying, dear." "Don't fuss." " Hello, Mademoiselle." " Hello." "Thank you." "Wake up Johnny!" "Mademoiselle?" "I'm so sorry." " Hello, Mademoiselle." " Hello, Madame." "Is there anything you want?" "Could you tell me which is my brother's room?" "I know it's very silly of me, but I can't find it." " Your brother's room?" " Yes, number 19." "We have no bedroom of that number, Mademoiselle." "Oh, but I'm sure my brother's room is 19." "Your brother?" "But surely you are here alone." "Of course I'm not here alone." "You received us yourself last night." "I received you, MademoiselleÉ" "I do not remember that anyone was with you." "But you must remember him." "He spoke to you at the desk." "He told you he came from Naples, and then you gave him the keys." "I gave you your key." "That is all." "But we arrived together." "You sent us to our rooms 17 and 19." "Mademoiselle, room 19 is the bathroom." "Bathroom?" "Will you show it to me, please?" "Why yes, with pleasure." "Look." "You see." "You are mistaken." "I may have been mistaken, but the room was here somewhere." "That is not possible, Mademoiselle." "There are no other rooms on this floor except what you see." "Monsieur and Madame Blanche are in 20." "Madame Pasquier is in 18." "That leaves only your room and the linen room." " You are the owner of the hotel, Madame?" " Why yes, Mademoiselle." "Who was the man at the desk last night?" "Oh, that was my brother." "He assists me here." " I would like to see him, please." " Certainly, Mademoiselle, if you wish." " Hello, Mademoiselle." " Hello." " Do you remember my arriving here last night?" " Of course" " And the number of my room?" " Let me see. 18." "No, that is Madame Pasquier." "Yours is 17." "That's right." "And the number of my brother's room?" "Your brother?" "What brother?" " John Barton, of course." " ButÉ" " Don't you remember him either?" " No, Mademoiselle." " May I see the visitor's book, please?" " Most certainly, Mademoiselle." "HereÉ" "Did my brother not sign?" "Mademoiselle, for the last time, you came here alone." "It's true, Mademoiselle." "You had no one with you." "Are you going to tell me there's no room 19?" "Mademoiselle, how could I do that?" "The room 19 is a bathroom." " Was it always a bathroom?" " But of course, always." "What are you trying to hide from me?" "What happened to him?" "Mademoiselle, allow me to say this." "You arrived last night after a long journey." "You were very tired." "Your imagination perhapsÉ" "I arrived here with my brother!" "Surely you must have thought it very strange, my traveling alone." "We did think it strange, very strange." "But your behavior this morning is even more strange." "If you take my advice, you will go back to England today, instead of tomorrow." "You should see your doctor when you arrive." "With a little care and restÉ" "Very well, I see you won't tell me the truth." "I shall find someone who will." " Oh, excuse me." " Pardon?" " You remember me?" " Mademoiselle?" " Do you speak English?" " No." "But you remember my brother." "My brother, you remember, no?" "Your brother?" "No, Mademoiselle." " Monsieur Barton, my brother." " No, Mademoiselle." "But you brought up his luggage!" "He gave you a shilling, remember?" "A shilling!" "I don't understand." "But you must understand!" "Monsieur Barton, my brother, where is he?" "I don't know." "I never saw your brother." "Sorry." "Madame, excuse me." "Do you speak English?" "A little bit." " Did you hear anything unusual in the night?" " Sorry, I don't understand." " Did you hear my brother go out?" " Brother?" "You have a brother?" " Yes, did you see him?" " No." "His room has disappeared." "His room has disappeared?" "Impossible." "Madame, please, help me." "Mademoiselle, excuse me, you speak with Madame HervŽ?" "This is best." " Who was in room 19?" " It was a foreigner, an English." "Yes, yes, but she spoke to me in a manner most extraordinary." "Mademoiselle?" "For the last time, will you tell me what's happened to my brother?" "You came here alone." "But you agree a room was reserved for me." "Evidentently." "By whom, please?" "I seem to remember you wrote from Naples, was it not?" "May I see the letter?" "We do not keep such letters." "We receive hundreds." "I see there's a place in the rack for room 19." "Also a hole for the key." "Isn't that rather strange for a bathroom?" "These racks are bought readymade, Mademoiselle." "We use the numbers we require, the others we do not use." "Very well, I see you thought of everything." "You're determined to go on lying." "Will you please give me the address of the British Consulate?" "Certainly, Mademoiselle." "Here, Mademoiselle." "Narcisse." " Did you hear that?" " Yes." "Cab!" "May I see the Consul, please?" "I'm sorry, miss." "We're closing for today." "But it's only half past 11." "The time is precisely 11:36, Greenwich Mean Time." "I must see him." "I'm afraid the consul won't see anyone else today." "He's going to the opening of the great Exhibition." "But my business is urgent." "I'm sorry, miss, but I'm afraid your business will have to wait until tomorrow." "I've got my orders." "The consul is already seven and a half minutes late." "What is this?" "I said I couldn't see anyone else." "I'm sorry." "But I must speak to you, please." "It's very important." "It always is." "Well, now that you are hereÉ" "What is it you've lost, your purse or your pet dog?" "My brother." "Sit down, my child." "I'm very sorry, sir." "The young lady pushed past me." "I told her we were closed." "It's alright, Pilkington, it's too late." "You better lock up." "Tell the coachman I will be a few minutes." "Yes, sir." "Now, young lady, you were saying, your brother?" "The consul will be here in a moment." "Pardon, are you closed?" "This is the British Consulate." "We are closed until tomorrow." "Oh, thank you." " Is there another way?" " But you already are out." "No, I mean, is there another entrance?" "I'm waiting for someone." "I'm waiting for someone." "No, there is not." "And I must ask you not to wait on the steps of the Consulate." "The consul will be leaving for the Exhibition at any moment now." "You don't believe me, do you?" " No, I didn't say that." " But you meant it." "Not necessarily, but it's a very strange story." "Have you taken any steps to advise your parents of your brother's disappearance?" "I haven't any parents, my brother is my guardian." "I see." "You must believe me." "I'm not out of my mind, whatever you may think but I shall be if this goes on much longer." "Now, now, young lady." "Please calm yourself." "What I was going to say was that I don't think we'll get very much further without evidence of some sort." "Evidence?" "As far as I can see at present, it's just your word against theirs." " And you prefer to take theirs." " No, of course not." "Please, sit down." "But don't you see without a little evidence to support itÉ your story must sound a little bit, well, odd." "You say that there's no trace of your brother at allÉ and that even his room has disappeared during the night." "Now, Miss Barton, you may know as well as I do that people may disappear overnightÉ but hardly a bedroom." "I tell youÉ" "Wait a minute, I'm not disputing what you just told me." "I'm merely pointing out that other people may, particularly the police." "The hotel people say you were alone." "They're lying!" "Perhaps so, but the visitor's book supports them." "He must have forgotten to sign it." "Now, come, come, Miss Barton." "You remembered and he forget and you were together?" "Very well." "I see nothing can be done because you don't believe me." "On the contrary, there are two things I can do." "I can advise you to not tell this story to anybody elseÉ not even the policeÉ until you got some evidence to support it." "And I can also take you to where I'm going now, to the Exhobition." "Exhobition?" "You must find that girl, the chambermaid." "The one whose young man flies balloon." "If she can remember your brother, then we have something to go upon." "Oh, she will, I know she will." "And when you find her, you must bring her to see me." " Thank you, you are very kind." " Not at all" "To the Exhibition, please." "I should be back about 5." "Paris is looking very gay." "Gustave Eiffel must be a proud man today." "I hope they don't expect me to go to the top of that tower." "I don't like heights." "I think you'll find the balloon enclosure over there just past the Egyptian pavilion." "Thank you." "I wish I could offer you a little assistance, but I'm already late for my appointment." "I'm so sorry." "And don't forget, as soon as you find this young lady, bring her straight to my office." "I shall be back there by 5 o'clock." " Thank you." " Goodbye, my dear girl, and good luck." "Sorry, Mademoiselle, but I am not able to let you pass." "Please, it's very important." "Sorry, Mademoiselle, but nobody is allowed." "It's urgent!" "Nina!" "Look here!" "Nina!" "Hello!" "Yes, Mademoiselle." "Excuse, can you speak English?" " Do you speak English?" " No, Mademoiselle." " I understand you, ma'am." "I want to speak with the Chief of Police, please." " What did you say?" " She wants to speak to the Chief of Police." " Yes, with the Chief of Police." " Mademoiselle, it's imposible." "Now you are here." "What do you want?" "I have to speak to him, it's terribly important." "Oh, I wish someone could understand." "I understand." "What a shame!" "She's lovely." "Wait a moment, Mademoiselle." "Sit down." "Understand me?" "Sit down." "Ah, Chief." "This young girl wishes to speak with you." " Hello, Mademoiselle." " Hello." " Are you able to understand French?" " Almost nothing." "Allow me to speak in English." "I was for three years in London, and I understand a little." "What can I do for you, Mademoiselle?" "It's my brother." "He's disappeared." "Since when has he disappeared?" "Since yesterday." "It's a long story." "I know it sounds rather peculiar, but it is true." "I am sure it is true, Mademoiselle." "Come inside and tell me." "Finally, you are here." "Tell me what happened." "Tell me, what did she do?" "She went to the police." " The police?" " And to the British Consulate." " And what did she do?" " That's what I want to know." "That is all." "I am hungry." "I don't want the police here." "One other thing, Mademoiselle, why did you not come to us at once, this morning?" " I had to go to the Exhibition." " The Exhibition?" "Well, no, not at first." "I went to look there later for a witness." "The British Consul told me to." "Oh, so you see the British Consul, yes?" "And what did he say?" "He didn't believe me at first." "But later on, he did." "Ah, later on, he did!" "And did he say what he shall do?" "No, he said that nothing else could be doneÉ until I had someone else to support what I said." "Very well, Mademoiselle, you shall come with me, please." "Where are we going?" "To the Hotel de la Licorne, naturally." "Come please." "I'm so sorry, Monsieur, but the hotel is full." "No, Monsieur, not before the next week" " Madame HervŽ?" " Yes, Monsieur." " I am the Chief of Police." " Yes, Monsieur." " Do you understand English?" " A little bit." "Then we shall all speak English so that Mademoiselle BartonÉ may understand us." "You have some place where we can speak privately, Madame?" "This way, Chief." " Narcisse?" " Yes." "The Chief of Police wants to talk about Miss Barton." " Hello, Monsieur." " Hello" "This is purely a formality, you understand me?" "Yes, Monsieur." "You have a young English man staying here, Mr. John Barton?" "No, Monsieur, we have not." "You see?" "They deny it." "Patience, Mademoiselle, we are doing our best to find the truth." "Mademoiselle insists that she came here with her brother and that he has disappeared." "That is not all she says, Monsieur." "She says also that his room disappeared during the night." "His bedroom, Monsieur." "Like that." "Why do you think she should say this if it is not true?" "Because she's a little mad, that's why." "I told you they'd say that!" "Make them tell the truth, they did see him!" "Calm yourself, Mademoiselle, we are doing all that is possible." "I do not think Mademoiselle is mad." "I think there is a much simple explanation." "Oh, what is that." "I think Mademoiselle has come to the end of her money." "It is much easier to make accusations than to pay one's bills." "That's not true." "How much money have you, Mademoiselle?" "I'm not sure, about 25 francs." "I think my brother kept the money for both of us." " You see?" " It's not that I tell you, how could it be?" "Chief of Police, do you wish to see the hotel register?" "If you please." "You know that Mademoiselle has been to the British Consulate?" "But of course, Monsieur, I gave her the address myself." "I have done everything I can for her." "No, Mademoiselle, your brother's name is not here." "I know that;" "I've told you he'd forgotten to sign it." "Now listen, I am old enough to be your papaÉ and I have no interest in this matter except to see justice done, is it not so?" "Yes, of course." "Very well, then I tell you." "Perhaps the best thing is that arrangement are made for you to go home to England at once," "Possibly your brother will be there when you arrive." "If not, we will find him, never fear." "And I will personally report to the British Consulate the steps we have taken." "Does it not satisfy, Mademoiselle?" "Nothing will satisfy me until I find my brother." "Of course you don't believe me." "Nobody does!" "But I shall go on until I do find him, do you understand?" "Poor thing." "Johnny!" "Poor George, you must be very disappointed." "But he's improved tremendously" "Really you have, George." "Mother doesn't understand pictures." "I understand most pictures, my dear, but frankly these quite baffle me." "Well, I'm trying a new style of painting, a sort of impressionism." "Oh, yes, I know, I've heard about it." "Do you think they'll ever really take it seriously?" "If these are anything to go by, I hope not." "I mean, I don't know what this is supposed to be at all." "Well, do you think it would help if it looked at it the right way around?" "Oh!" "There." "Is that better?" " No, a little worse, I'd say." " Oh." "Now this is different, I like this." "I like it enormously." "Oh, I'm so glad." "The old man from whom I buy my groceries comes up here to work here occasionally." "It's one of his." "Oh dear." "Now I've made a faux pause." "Not at all, he'll be delighted." "Mom, before you make another faux pas, I think we ought to be getting back to the hotel." "You're quite right dear." "I am a little tired." "My critical faculties are never at their best after dinner." "I shall blame it all on my cooking." "Rhoda, I should have dropped this in your hotel today." "I didn't get the time." " Would you mind taking it for me?" " Yes, of course, who do I give it to?" "Just leave it at the desk." "It's for Mr. Barton, room 19." " I borrowed 50 francs from him last night." " Yes, I remember." "Well, if you excuse me, I'll just get your cab." " Well?" " Well what?" "The Exhibition Ball, is he taking you?" "Yes, he's taking me." "Well, don't say it in that tone of voiceÉ anyone would think you didn't care for him." "Oh, mother!" " The cab's waiting, are you ready up there?" " Yes, coming." "Would you please give this to Monsieur Barton?" " Pardon, Mademoiselle?" " Monsieur Barton, room 19." " It's impossible." "He's not here." " Are you sure?" "Of course, there is nobody with this name at the hotel." " What does he say, dear?" " He says there's no one of that name staying here." "What shall I do?" "Leave it to the morning, there's obviously some mistake." "Give me my keys, please." "The man's a half-wit, anyone can see that." "I suppose a few hours can't make any difference." " Good night." " Good night, Madame." "Thank you." "You have had no breakfast, Mademoiselle." "It is not wise to go without food when one is it not well." "Please leave me alone." "I'm afraid I cannot leave you alone for very long, Mademoiselle." "Your rooms were only booked until this morning." " Why did you say that?" " Say what, Mademoiselle?" "Your rooms were only booked." "Force of habit, I suppose." "So our rooms are let, are they?" "This room is let, Mademoiselle." "I suppose I must go." "But my brother kept all the money." "I will provide you with a ticket." "My brother will take you to the station." "It's not necessary." "I prefer it, Mademoiselle." "When one is not wellÉ" "Why do you keep pretending I'm ill?" "Please, get out of my room." "Here is the ticket for Mademoiselle and the money." " You will give them to her at the station." " Yes." " Is the cab ready?" " No, I will get one." "Pardon, is this Mr. Barton's room?" " Monsieur Barton?" " Yes, Monsieur Barton." "I only know of Mademoiselle Barton." "She's in room 17, over there." "Are you sure?" "Absolutely, room 17." "Thank you." "There's no need for anyone to come with me." "I prefer it, Mademoiselle." "Are you frightened I'm gonna stay in Paris with no friends and no money?" "I am not frightened of anything, Mademoiselle, I am simply being kind." "Have you your key?" "The key of your bedroom?" " Didn't you bring it down?" " I forgot, I'll go get it." "Ah, it is notÉ" "Mademoiselle?" "Have you the key?" " Yes." " Thank you." "Good voyage, Mademoiselle." "Thank you, Mademoiselle." "Porter!" "Dear Sr. Barton." "Thank you very much for helping me last night." "Would you and your sister care to come along for an aperitif one evening?" "I'll be delighted to have you." "Sincerely, George Hathaway." "Come in." "Come in." "Hello!" "Mr. Hathaway, did you write this letter?" "Yes, I did." " Do you know who I am?" " You're the girl I bumped int the other evening." "My name is Barton." "Does that mean anything to you?" "Well, you're his sister." "Then you're prepared to admit that I have a brother?" "Well, of course." "And you don't think I'm lying or mad?" "Well, you look a bit strange, but I don't think you're lying." " You saw me with him at the CafŽ BrisŽ, didn't you?" " Yes." " Are you certain?" " Of course I'm certain." "How did you know he was my brother?" " Look, what here is all this nonsense?" " How did you know he was my brother?" "I suppose I don't know, really." "Except that I saw him later that evening, borrowed 50 francs from him and he told me you were his sister." " Did you know that he was staying in that hotel?" " Yes." " Did he happen to give you the number of his room?" " Yes." " No doubt you've forgotten it!" " No." "It was number 19." " Do you see her go on the train?" " Of course." "Good voyage, Mademoiselle Barton." "Mademoiselle Barton, good voyage." "Come in." "A telegrama for Madame O'Donovan." "Good, this whole thing is over." "It's finished." " A telegrama for Madame." " Thank you." " Feeling better?" " Yes, thank you." "When did you last eat?" "I don't remember, the night before last, I think." "You're very naught, no wonder you're so hungry." " You do believe me, don't you?" " Of course I do." "You're the first one who has." "So I can hardly believe it myself." "Now leave this to me for a bit, will you?" "Do you think I'll ever see him again?" "I don't see why not." " I don't think so." " Of course you will." "Now listen." "I'm gonna have a look around this Hotel de la Licorne." "They don't know we ever met, do they?" "I don't think so, but what could you possibly do?" "I have no idea, I just have to think of something on the way." "Now you'll be able to go and rest, I shan't be very long." " Hello, Monsieur." " Hello, Madame." "I have a reservation for a room, Monsieur." "Are you looking for someone, Monsieur?" "Yes, but I think I've come to the wrong room." "Thank you." "You are looking for your English friends, perhaps?" "Mrs. O'Donovan." "Oh, you have missed them!" "They have just gone out, I am sorry." "Oh, have they?" "They are going this evening, you know." "No, I didn't know." "They are going to Nice on the 10 o'clock train." "They had a telegram." "Madame O'Donovan's sister is seriously ill." "Oh, I see." "Thank you, Madame." "Is there any message I can give, Monsieur?" "No, thank you." "I am sure to see them before they go." " One thing has occurred to me." " Yes?" "As my friends have had to leave Paris so suddenly, I suppose no one else has booked their rooms." " No, Monsieur." " Then, I should like to book them for myself." "I'm afraid I could not do that." "I have a long waiting list." "Paris is very full right now and this hotel is most popular." "Oh, yes, indeed, I know." "I'd heard so much about your hotel that I'd rather like to stay there myself." "I assure, Madame, that no one need ever know that I am not at the top of your waiting list." " Very well, Monsieur." " Thank you." "Which room would you prefer?" "Well, it doesn't really matter, 29?" "29, good." "I'm afraid I shall have to charge you for tonight." "Oh yes, indeed, I shall be staying here tonight." " If you would like to sign the register." " Yes, of course." " Number 29." " Yes." " Monsieur." " Thank you, Madame." "Monsieur, would you sign here please?" " Yes, of course." " Thank you." " A pen?" " Allow me." " Here you are, Monsieur." " Thank you." " Thank you." " Thank you, Monsieur." " At your service." " See you later." "Enjoy your night, sir." " Hello, Mademoiselle." " Hello." "You're English, aren't you?" "Surely I saw you at the hotel?" "Yes, I remember." "May we come in?" "Of course." "I'm so sorry." "We really came to say goodbye to Mr. Hathaway." "Isn't he here?" "Not at the moment, but he won't be long." "In that case, we'll wait." "Have you known Mr. Hathaway for long?" "No, I've only just met him." "Indeed!" "I don't know what I would have done without his help." "Really?" "You see, something very strange happened andé" "Obviously." "To tell you the truth, we're old friends of Mr. Hathaway and mother thinks it's highly improper for you to be here at all." "I suppose it must be rather odd, my being here like this." "But Mr. Hathaway has been so kind, and I have nobody else to go to." "Well, hello." "Hello, George." "I hope you didn't mind us waiting." "No, I'm very glad." "I was afraid I might miss you." "We just called to say we're leaving for Nice on the 10 o'clock train." "Yes, I'm terribly sorry." "I just got back from the hotel." "By the way, have you been introduced yet or not?" "No, George." "My humble apologies." "Miss Victoria Barton, Mrs. O'Donovan and Miss O'Donovan." "How do you do, Miss Barton?" "We just came here to say goodbye." "I'm afraid that means I won't be able to go with you tomorrow night, George." "I'm sorry, Rhoda." " I brought back the costume, if you wouldn't mind returning it for me." " That's alright, leave it to me." "We're going to Nice because my sister is ill." "When she recovers, we'll probably be going on to Rome and I shall be seeing your mother." "What should I tell her, George?" "You should tell her everything's fine and I've had a lot of fun taking you around." "I hope when you get to Nice you'll have much better news." " Thank you." "Goodbye." " Goodbye." "Well, goodbye George." "I think she's very sweet." " Goodbye" " Goodbye." " I really must apologize, Mr. Hathaway." " What for?" "I'm afraid your friends were rather shocked to find me here." "That's alright." "They'll get over it." "I really must go into another hotel or something." "There's no need to, you can stay here." " I couldn't do that." " It's alright, I shan't be here." "I've taken my friends' room over at your hotel." "I'm staying there for the night." " Have you found something out?" " I think I've got a lead." "The first thing we got to prove is that there was a room 19." "Do you doubt it?" "No, I believe they deliberately changed the numbers around." "What is now room 20 used to be room 19." "I don't see how we can prove it." "When I was at the hotel this afternoon." "there was a man paying his bill at the desk." "The man gave him a receipt, from a book with counterfoils." "Now we've got to get a hold of that book." "And if it's got the receipt for room 19, you go straight to the police and this time time they listen to you." " How do we get the book?" " I don't know, but I'm going to get it." " Will it be dangerous?" " Good heavens, I hope not, why?" "Well, I don't like the thought of you running such risks." "There's no reason why you should." "Isn't there?" "I can think of quite a few." " There's something you can do for me in return." " What?" "First of all, you can help me to pack this bag." "I want to get off as soon as possible." "I'm sorry." "It looks as though you've packed it already." "It's the first time I've heard you laughing." " You are looking for something, Monsieur?" " Yes, I was looking for the bathroom." "It is there, Monsieur." "Oh, thank you so much." "Narcisse, are you there?" "Yes." "Are you up?" "It's morning." "I slept very poorly." "So that was it." "Do you think they killed Johnny for that?" " Vicky, I'm sureÉ" " What else am I to think?" "But they wouldn't murder someone for a brooch and a few hundred francs." "It doesn't make sense." "There's something bigger behind this, I swear it." "Look, here's the hotel receipt book." "And are there receipt for room 19?" "No, but something much more exciting." "Do you see these printed numbers on the top of the counterfoils?" "Now watchÉ 14, 15, 16, 18." "No number 17." "Watch again." "21, 22, 23, 25." "No 24." "There are 100 pages in that book, and 11 of them are missing." "Those are the counterfoils for room 19." " If only we could be sure." " What other reason could there be?" "They've torn all the pages out, they've been very thorough." "But I've been thorough, too." "I noticed something else." "On the second floor, where I have my roomÉ there are six bedrooms, with six balconies facing out onto the courtyard." "On the first floor, where you and your brother had your roomÉ there are five rooms, but six balconies." "Doesn't that strike you as rather odd?" " Yes, butÉ" " But what?" "I don't see what we can do about it." "Tonight, you're coming out to the hotel to have dinner with me." " I couldn't." " Why not?" "I'm supposed to be in England." "They'll recognize me." "No, they won't." "You go have a look in that box over there." "Open it!" "With those on, you'll merely be my partner for the Exhibition Ball." "And no one will give you a second glance." "Except me." "Will you come?" "I'll be waiting for you in the hotel lounge." "Alright." "It's beautiful." "You ready?" "Don't worry." "We'll go straight ahead." " Monsieur." " Good evening." "You're going to the ball, Monsieur?" "Yes, yes, we are, but later on." " Can I take the mask off now?" " Not just yet." "Wait until they bring the champagne." "Come in." "Excuse me." "Pardon." "I thought it would be better to bring it myself." "Yes, thank you very much." " Shall I pour?" " Oh, no thank you." "I'll do it." "I want you to understand that we do not wish to be disturbed at all this evening." "I understand." "What did you tell him?" "I told himÉ that we were both very much in love and we didn't wish to be disturbed this evening." "Do you mind if I lock the door?" "No." "Would you like a glass of champagne while we're waiting?" "No, thank you." " Do you mind if I do?" " Of course not." "Thank you." "Now I am going down to see what's behind those shutters." "They're bolted from the inside." " Is there a room in there?" " I can't tell." "I can't see a thing." " What are we going to do?" " I don't know" "There must be some way, if only I could think of it." "Well, of course!" "These doors." "Mrs. O'Donovan's room was through there." "It stands that it would be the same thing on the floor below." " I don't see how that could help." " Come and look." "That's the balcony of room 20 there." "And the shutters are open." "I'm going to go down to have a look." " Suppose that somebody's in there?" " There's no light on." " They might be asleep." " At this time of night in Paris?" "Well, if there is, I shall come straight up again." "But you come down the moment you see me come into the room." "And don't let anyone hear you." " Now." " There's no door." "There must be a door on this wall." "It's obviously behind this." "Good night, Madame." " Number 20, please." " Yes, Madame." "Number 20." "My God!" "My God!" "My God!" " Monsieur, Monsieur!" " Madame." " What happened, Madame?" " My room." " Is this the room?" " Yes, I think so." "And there's the door." "It's jammed.." " There's someone there." " Calm down." "There's someone in my room." "George, look." "What is it?" "His pipe." "That settles it." "What did they do to him?" "Where is the Englishman?" "Answer me!" "There's no use, he will not speak." "Very well, let her in." "Perhaps you shall hear something now." "Madame, sit down." "Now I shall ask you some questions." "Which it will be wise that you answer truthfully." "You do not deny that you attempted to conceal room 19?" "No." " By covering over the door?" " Yes." "And that you stole this brooch and put it in your safe?" "Imbecile." "Where is Monsieur Barton?" "I do not know." " What have you done with him?" " The doctor took him away." " What doctor?" " One moment, Mademoiselle." "We know that Monsieur Barton was in the hotel twenty minutes after midnight." "What do you know of his movements after that?" "I will tell you, Chief." "In the middle of the night, the bell in room 19 begins to ring." "It keeps on ringing." "The porter comes to call me." "We go together to room 19." "Monsieur Barton is very ill." " We send for the doctor." " Which doctor?" "The doctor of Courville." "What does the doctor say?" "He says that Monsieur Barton must be taken away at once." "Why?" "I cannot tell you." " Make her tell!" " I will not." "Where have they taken him?" "To the Hospital of the Sisters of Charity." "Will you take me there?" "I'll get you a cab." "Madame, I am not finished." "I have more questions for you." "I know an English doctor, we better pick him up on the way." "Cab!" "Do you think we ought to wait?" "Perhaps he's not in." "Someone's coming now." "Is Dr. Hart in?" "Yes, Monsieur." "Would you tell him Mr. Hathaway wishes to see him?" "ButÉ" "Please, it's very important." " It shan't be long time." " Supposing he won't come?" "Oh, he'll come alright, don't you worry." "He's a very dear friend of my father's." "George!" "What's wrong, my boy?" "Can you come with us to Crecy?" "I've got a cab waiting." "I'll explain on the road." "Philippe, my bag." "When you left him to go to bed that night, did you notice anything unusual about him?" "Only that he seems very tired." "We'd been traveling for several days, I didn't think it strange." "I see." "Miss Barton, before you came to Paris, where had you been staying?" "I came from Marseille, by road." " And before that?" " Naples." "Naples!" "No, Monsieur, we don't have anyone of this name here." "But certainly there is." "Are you sure, Madre?" "Here is the list of all the admitted patients." "during the last three days." "There is no Monsieur Barton here." "What is it?" "What are they saying?" "She says there is nobody here by the name of Barton." "But they must have!" "Unless Madame HervŽ was lying." "George, there is an Englishman here, but his name's not Barton." "He was brought in two days ago, seriously injured." "He'd been shot." "It must be Johnny." "Let me go to him!" "I'm afraid you're too late, Miss Barton." "He died earlier this morning." " May I see him?" " Yes, yes, if you wish." " But VickyÉ" " Please, I want to see him." "Are we able to go see the body, Mother?" "Yes, if you wish." "That's not Johnny." "No." "No, this is not the man we are looking for." "But Mademoiselle is sure that her brother was brought here before yesterday." "Who was it who brought Miss Barton's brother here?" "Madame HervŽ." "Wait a minute, Dr. de Courville." "Dr. de Courville?" "Listen, Mother, He is a patient Dr. de Courville." "Yes, one of his patients is here but nobody knows his name." "He is gravely ill." "Nobody is allowed to see him." "They know something, I'm sure!" "Tell them we must see him." "Please lead us to the patient." "Mademoiselle Barton, you will please come with me." "I want to see my brother." "I regret that will not be possible." "Why not?" "It is a terrible thing I have to tell you." "You're brother is very ill." "He is suffering from what you call the plague." "The black death." "Better now?" "Johnny!" "Dr. Hart's with him." "He'll be absolutely wonderful." "Ha insisted on seeing him." "He'll be back soon and we shall know all about it." "George, I'm so frightened." " Mademoiselle, you are feeling better?" " Yes, thank you." "I regret that I should be the bearer of such news." "If only I'd known, I could have done something to help him." "I can't understand why they didn't tell me." "I think I understand, Mademoiselle." "Just think now." "All of France is depending on this great Exhibition." "Millions of francs have been spent on it." "Paris is filled with tourists, with people who will buy all goods." "And then comes a case of the plague." "It's terrible!" "Once let the news be known, and Paris will be empty." "This Exhibition will be a gigantic failure, everything will be lost." "So what do they do?" "They send your brother away to the care of the Sisters." "They close up his room, everything is hidden." "It is as though you have never had a brother." "But surely they could have told me." "And what if they had?" "You would have told Monsieur, you would have told anotherÉ and soon all of Paris would be whispering it." "How is he?" "Your brother is very ill, Miss Barton." "Very ill indeed." "But I think he has a chance." "A slight chance." "But a chance." "Is there anything I can do?" "Everything in our power has already been done." "Usually in these cases, there is hope once the delirium is over." "Your brother is out of his delirium now, and he's sleeping." " May I see him?" " Yes, yes, I think you might." "Just for a second." "But you mustn't go too close to him." "Just inside the door." "Johnny!" "Oh, Johnny!"