The Stretton Street Affair by William le Queux

I returned to my rather barely-furnished room at the Hotel du Midi which overlooked the Place outside the station in the suburb across the river, and sank into a chair to reflect.

The concierge -- a lad who wore the concierge's cap -- the concierge being off duty at his evening meal -- informed me that my friend had not returned. He seemed an alert French lad of that type so frequently seen in Continental hotels.