The Other Side of Midnight

"What is your occupation?"

"I am a reception clerk at the Palace Hotel at Ioannina."

"Would you please take a look at the two defendants sitting at the table. Have you ever seen them before?"

"The man. He was a guest at the hotel last August."

"That would be Mr. Lawrence Douglas?"

"Yes, sir."

"Was he alone when he checked into the hotel?"

"No, sir."

"Would you tell us who he was with?"

"His wife."

"Catherine Douglas?"

"Yes, sir."

"They registered as Mr. and Mrs. Douglas?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did you and Mr. Douglas ever discuss the Caves of Perama?"

"Yes, sir, we did."

"Did you bring up the subject or did Mr. Douglas?"

"As I recall, he did. He asked me about them and said his wife was anxious for him to take her there. That she loved caves. I thought that was unusual."

"Oh? Why was that?"

"Well, women aren't interested in exploring and things like that."

"You didn't happen to discuss the caves with Mrs. Douglas at any time, did you?"

"No, sir. Only with Mr. Douglas."

"And what did you tell him?"

"Well, I remember telling him that the caves could be dangerous."

"Was anything said about a guide?"

The clerk nodded. "Yes, I'm sure I suggested that he use a guide. I recommend one to all our guests."

"No more questions. Your witness, Mr. Chotas."

"How long have you been in the hotel business, Mr. Mousson?"

"Over twenty years."

"And before that you were a psychiatrist?"