For once I had the best of matters.  Louis was evidently in a highly nervous state, from which I imagined that things connected with their undertaking, whatever it might be, had reached a critical stage.  There were lines underneath his eyes, and he looked about him every now and then nervously.

“My brother,” I remarked, “first wrote to me to be sure and look up Mr. Delora, and to be civil to him.  I have done this to the best of my ability!”

Louis frowned.

“Go on,” he said.

“Last night,” I continued, speaking very deliberately, “my brother who is in London rang me up in Norfolk.  He told me that he had just received a cable from Dicky concerning Mr. Delora.  It was at his earnest request that I came to London this morning.  By the bye, Louis,” I added, “I think that I should like some Riz Diane.”

Louis looked for a moment as though he were about to consign my innocent desire for Riz Diane to the bottommost depths.  The effort with which he recovered himself was really magnificent.  He drew a long breath, and bowed his acquiescence.

“By all means, monsieur!”

He called to a waiter, and was particular in his instructions as to my order.  Then he turned back to me.

“Monsieur,” he said, “you will tell me what was in that cable?”

“I think not, Louis,” I answered.  “You see I really cannot recognize you in this matter at all.  I must find Mr. Delora at once.  It is important.”

“But if he cannot be found?” Louis asked quickly.

“Then I think that the best thing I can do,” I continued, after a moment’s pause, “is to call at the Brazilian embassy.”

I had a feeling, the feeling for a moment that, notwithstanding the crowded room and Louis’ attitude of polite attention, my life was in danger.  There flashed something in his eyes indescribably venomous.  I seemed to see there his intense and passionate desire to sweep me from the face of the earth.

“Of course,” I continued, “if I can find Mr. Delora, that is what I would really prefer.  There is a certain matter upon which I must have an explanation from him.”

“Monsieur will not have finished his luncheon for twenty minutes or so,” Louis said calmly.  “At the end of that time I will return.”

“Always glad to have a chat with you, Louis,” I declared.

“You will not leave,” he asked, “before I come back?”

“Not if you return in a reasonable time,” I answered.

Louis bowed and hurried off.  I saw him disappear for a moment into the service room.  When he came out into the restaurant he was once more discharging his duties, moving about amongst his clients, supervising, suggesting, bidding farewell to departing guests, and welcoming new arrivals.  A very busy man, Louis, for the cafe was crowded that day.  I wondered, as I saw him pass backwards and forwards, with that eternal and yet not displeasing smile upon his lips, what lay at the back of his head concerning me!