"
Mr. Pike removed his hat and allowed the electric light to twinkle on
his ruddy hair.
"How--ah--where did you get this description?" he asked gently.
"From the Princess herself," replied Popova. "She saw him at close
range."
"Believe me, I am sorry, but no one answering the description has been
at my hotel," said the manager.
"Then I shall go to the Hotel Bristol and the Hotel Victoria," announced
Koldo, with something of fierce determination in his tone.
"An excellent plan," assented the manager.
"Would you mind if I butted in with a suggestion?" said Mr. Pike, laying
a friendly hand on the arm of the redoubtable Koldo. "Don't you think
it would be better if you went alone to these hotels? This distinguished
gentleman," indicating Popova, "is well known on account of being a high
guy up at the palace. Sure as you live, if he trails around with you,
you will be spotted. You don't want to hunt this fellow with a brass
band. Besides, you don't need any help, do you?"--to the head of the
secret service.
"Certainly not," replied the famous detective, swelling visibly. "I have
all the data--already I am planning my campaign."
"Then I should like to have a talk with Pop-what's-his-name.
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