Chapter Three Summary

The Baudelaires make their way to the hotel entrance, which is spelled backward on the building and reflected correctly in the pond below. The hotel lobby is bustling with activity, so the Baudelaires have no trouble passing through without being noticed. When he sees how busy the hotel is, Klaus immediately questions how in the world they'll be able to observe their enemies with so much activity around them: how will they ever figure out who's working with them and who's working against them? Before they can answer this question, they are greeted by the hotel manager, either (honest) Frank or (evil) Ernest. He explains that as concierges, the children will be at the guests' beck and call. They will not have bedrooms but will be forced to sleep under the desk whenever they have a break in demands. When a...