I was chiefly
anxious to regain touch and combine forces with Falfani.
There was no mistake, however, at the Cornavin Hotel. I had not been
fooled. I was told directly I asked at the bureau that a Mrs. Blair,
accompanied by her maid and child, was staying in the house. Could I
see her? If monsieur would send up his card, it should be given her on
her return. She was not at home for the moment. (I knew that.) Would
monsieur call again?
I was slow to congratulate myself on what seemed a point gained, for I
had still my misgivings, but I would make the most of the chances that
offered to my hand. I secured a room at the Cornavin Hotel, and
bespoke another for Falfani, whom I should now summon at once. With
this idea I took the earliest opportunity of telegraphing to him as
follows:
"Detained by unfortunate _contretemps_ at Lausanne, happily
surmounted, clue lost and regained. Desire your
cooeperation. Come instantly, Hotel Cornavin. She is here.
"LUDOVIC."
I noted the time of despatch, 4.17 P.M. It would surely reach
Falfani before the last train left Brieg coming my way, and I hardly
trusted myself to anticipate the comfort and relief his appearance
would bring me.
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