"Pretty thin--what?"
"In spots," Staff agreed. "Still, I've got to admit you've managed to
cover the canvas, even if your supply of paint was a bit stingy. One
thing still bothers me: how did you find out I knew about the smuggling
game?"
Iff nodded toward the bedroom. "I happened in--casually, as the saying
runs--just as Miss Landis was telling on herself."
Staff frowned.
"How," he pursued presently, "can I feel sure you're not Ismay, and,
having guessed as accurately as you did, that you didn't get at that
bandbox aboard the ship and take the necklace?"
"If I were, and had, would I be here?"
"But I can't understand why you are here!"
"It's simple enough; I've any number of reasons for inviting myself to
be your guest. For one, I'm wet and cold and look like a drowned rat; I
can't offer myself to a hotel looking like this--can I? Then I knew your
address--you'll remember telling me; and there's an adage that runs 'Any
port in a storm.' You're going to be good enough to get my money
changed--I've nothing but English paper--and buy me a ready-made outfit
in the morning. Moreover, I'm after Ismay, and Ismay's after the
necklace; wherever it is, he will be, soon or late. Naturally I presumed
you still had it--and so did he until within the hour."
"You mean you think it was Ismay who broke into these rooms tonight?"
"You saw him, didn't you? Man about my size, wasn't he? Evening clothes?
That's his regulation uniform after dark. Beard and glasses--what?"
"I believe you're right!" Staff rose excitedly. "I didn't notice the
glasses, but otherwise you've described him!"
"What did I tell you?" Iff helped himself to a cigarette. "By now the
dirty dog's probably raising heaven and hell to find out where Miss
Searle has hidden herself."
Staff began to pace nervously to and fro. "I wish," he cried, "I knew
where to find her!"
"Please," Iff begged earnestly, "don't let your sense of the obligations
of a host interfere with your amusements; but if you'll stop that
Marathon long enough to find me a blanket, I'll shed these rags and, by
your good leave, curl up cunningly on yon divan."
Staff paused, stared at the little man's bland and guileless face, and
shook his head helplessly, laughing.
"There's no resisting your colossal gall," he said, passing into the
adjoining room to get bed-clothing for his guest.
"I admit it," said Iff placidly.
As Staff returned, the telephone bell rang. In his surprise he paused
with his arms full of sheets, blankets and pillows, and stared
incredulously at his desk.
"What the deuce now?" he murmured.
"The quickest way to an answer to that," suggested Iff blandly, "is
there." He indicated the telephone with an ample gesture. "Help
yourself."
Dropping his burden on the divan, Staff seated himself at the desk and
took up the receiver.
"Hello?"