M. LeBlanc was still wiping his forehead when the bellboy appeared to take his bags to his room.

“Room 206? Follow me, sir,” Mahmoud reached down and picked up the large black bag. He reached to take the smaller brown satchel from the Frenchman but LeBlanc drew back abruptly.

“Non! Je le porterai!” LeBlanc clutched the satchel more closely to his chest and jerked his head towards the elevator. Mahmoud’s eyes widened in surprise but he composed himself and nodded in acquiescence then quickly turned and walked towards the elevator, carrying only the black leather bag. LeBlanc followed him and the elevator doors closed.

Mahmoud noticed that the Frenchman was sweating profusely and that he was still holding the satchel so tightly that his knuckles were white from clenching the handles. When they arrived at his door the bellboy opened the door and proceeded to walk towards the bedroom to place the black bag inside there.

“C’est suffit!” LeBlanc called out impatiently and waved his hand towards the open door. “Merci beaucoup!” Mahmoud quickly put the bag down and walked towards the door. LeBlanc pressed a coin into his hand as he walked by and the bellboy bowed his head politely and left the room. When he closed the door behind him and was walking down the hall he was shocked to see the silver coin in his palm. So much for so little work! He began to wonder what the Frenchman’s business was…

Sighing with relief and exhaustion, the Frenchman collapsed into a chair and began to fan himself with the newspaper he picked up on the end table next to him.