e: he fingered it, and studied the
evidence of fresh splinters. The Princess continued calmly.

"Have it marked 'Wanted'" (and as she indicated with a jeweled finger),
"'This End up with Care.'"

The porter nodded.

"I'll put special stickers on it, mum. You'll find it in your stateroom
when you get to the steamer. Is that all, mum?"

"Handle it gently, porter."

"Shure, lady and I never smashed one in me life! I'll handle it as
rivirintly as if it held the relics of a saint, mum. I'm that careful
in me worruk. So don't worry one little bit, mum."

As he started out with the heavy piece of luggage on his truck, the
detective stopped him sternly.

"Just a minute. How did that lock get broken?"

[Illustration: "_Just a minute. How did that lock get broken?_"]

The Princess felt herself changing color, yet she shrugged her
shoulders as she turned away.

Nita suddenly chattered in Spanish to her, and the detective shot a
sharp glance at the girl.

"What does she say?" he cried. "She knows something about it."

"She says the other porter banged the door before we came in, for it
was that way when she entered to arrange my clothes. I have had my
sleep interrupted all night long, and I do not care for any insolence
now."

The detective looked a bit sheepish, but stuck to his inquest.

"When did you come?"

"Yesterday."

"And when do you go away?"

"We sail this morning for Europe."

"Huh," and there was a suggestion of doubt in his grunt. "The police
are making an investigation in the hotel. They would like to have a
look at these rooms. Do you mind?"

"Not at all. My maid will show them around."

"What time do you sail? Does this trunk go on board?"

"Yes,--I want it sent on a special wagon, for I fear we will be late.
The steamer sails at nine o'clock."

The detective nodded to the porter, who brushed close by the Princess
with his cargo.

"_Bon voyage!_" she said with a smile.

"What's that?" asked the detective.

"I merely called my maid. You're an unusually impertinent and
inquisitive man. In my country gentlewomen are shown some degree of
courtesy, even by hotel servants," she remarked icily.

The detective's ruddy face grew redder.

"Well, I dunno about your country, whatever that is. But in this
country, and in this hotel there don't nothin' get by me. That's all.
Come on in, boys."

Two bluecoats entered the room, gazed awkwardly about, and walked to
the window to peer down at th