The two were standing near the fireplace of a square and spacious foyer.  There were plenty of people in the place, some conversing with friends, others writing or doing business at the various bureaus.  It chanced that Theydon faced the two swing doors which led to the street, and he was returning the bit of ivory to his pocket when, somewhat to his surprise, Furneaux entered.

The detective saw him, too—­ of that he was quite certain—­ but ignored him completely.  After one sharp, comprehensive glance around, as though he were seeking some one who was not visible, the little man went to a desk, scribbled a note, handed it in at the inquiry office, walked swiftly in the direction of an anteroom and restaurant, and disappeared forthwith.

Theydon was puzzled by Furneaux’s behavior, but was quick to perceive that if the latter had not wished to be left alone he would at least have made some sign of recognition.

A page approached Mr. Handyside.

“Note for you, sir,” he said.

The American opened the envelope and read a few lines scribbled on a sheet of note-paper.  He passed it to Theydon.

“The circus is now about to commence,” he said, and the meaning of this enigmatical remark was made clear when Theydon saw what was written.

“Dear Sir,” it ran, “take Mr. Theydon to your room.  I’ll join you there immediately.—­ C. F. Furneaux.”

“If this is the little sleuth who was missing yesterday I guess we’ve gotten our call,” commented Handyside, with an amused grin at the expression of bewilderment on his companion’s face.

“I was just about to tell you that Furneaux had come in and crossed the hall.”

“Well, let’s beat it to the third floor.  I have the key in my pocket.”

They were walking through a long corridor when Furneaux appeared at the other end.  Beyond the three men, not another person was visible in that part of the hotel, and in a few seconds they were behind the closed door of Handyside’s room.

“So you’re still on the map?” said the detective, surveying Theydon with an air of professional interest.

“Yes, but I have received notice to quit,” was the retort.

“So I hear.  The executioner was quick on the heels of the warrant, too.  If it had not been for the precautions Winter took last night the newsboys would have been bawling a second Innesmore Mansions tragedy during the past couple of hours.”

Theydon smiled.

“I’m not joking,” snapped Furneaux.  “In fact, I feel rather bad about it.  I woke up at eight o’clock, and pictured you and Bates and his wife lying about in No. 18 in very uncomfortable and ungainly attitudes.  I was so worried and miserable that I telephoned your hall porter to learn the worst, and was quite astonished when he said that Bates had just been chatting with him.  You don’t understand, of course.  I forgot to tell you about the lift.  Wong Li Fu’s special delegate climbed into No. 17 by that means and three of ’em would have reached you last night in the same way if a policeman hadn’t met them in the street.”