The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1907-09-13

once"
The official. who was one of the
most skilled hotel clerks in London,
found II ridiculous to be put out of
countenance by n mere boy who could
not be a day older than seventeen and
might be a good deal less. He cast
critical eve on Philips clothing and
saw that while 1t was good, 1t had not
the gloss of We're de We're.
He would paralyze him at one fell
blow. little dreaming that the other
read his glance and knew the exact
mental process of his reasoning.
"There is q good suit vacant on the
first floor, but II contains q dressing
room and bathroom he said, smiling
the smile of a very knowing person.
"That sounds all right l will take
it."
"Ah. yes. 1t costs f5 day.
Each Of the six words in that por-
tentous sentence contained note Of
admiration that swelled out into
MAGNIFICENT crescendo. 1t was YER
hal avalanche, beneath which this
oueer youth should be crushed into the
very dust
"Fiye pounds a day!' observed
philip calmly. 81 suppose there would
be a reduction If taken for month";"
"Well-er-during the season 1t is
not-er-usual to-
ooh. very well. I can easily arrange
for permanency later If think. fit.
What number is the suit, please, and
will you, kindly have my luggage sent
there at onceW
THE clerk was demoralized, but he
| managed to say:
"Do you quite understand the terms
-thirty-fve pounds a week!'
"Yes," said Philip. "Shall pay you
! q week in advance? l can give you
notes, but it will oblige me if you take
n check, as I may want the ready
money in my possession"
1 Receiving q faint indication that.
under the circumstances, check would
be esteemed a favor, Philip whipped
| out his check book, filed in check to
the hotel, and did not forget to cross
| it "ac. payec."
| The clerk watched him with an
] amazement too acute for words. He
produced the register and Philip signed
his name. He was given receipt for
the payment on account and then
| asked to be shown to his rooms.
A boy smaller, but not younger, than
himself-a smart page, who listened to
the foregoing with deep interest
asked timidly whether the guest would
go by the stairs or use the elevator.
81 will walk" said Philip, who liked
to ascertain his bearings.
The palatial nature Of the apart
ments took him by surprise when lie
reached them. Although far from be-
ing the most expensive suit in the
hotel, the surroundings were of ma
ture vastly removed from anything
hitherto known to him.
Even the charming house he inhabit-
ed as a child in Dieppe contained no
such luxury. His portmanteau fol-
lowed quickly, and a valet entered.
Philips quick ears caught the accent
of Frenchman, and the boy spoke to
the man In the language Of his coun-
try, pure and undefiled by the barbar-
isms Of John Bull.
They were chatting about the wealth
er, which, by the way, ever since the
10th of March had been extraordi-
narily fine, when there was knock at
the door, and the manager entered.
The clerk found the situation too
much for him.. He had appealed to a
higher authority.
Even the suave and diplomatic M.
Foret could not conceal the astonish-
ment that leaped to his eyes when he
saw the occupant of suit f.
"I think you will find these rooms
very comfortable" he said for lack Of
already on his way to the bank to ask
If the check was all right.
"Are you the manager" asked Phil
In, who was washing his hands.
Eyes"
81 am glad you called. One of your
clerks seemed to be taken aback be-
cause q youngster like me engaged an
| expensive suit. / suppose the proceed
ing is unusual, but there Is no reason
| why II should create excitement. 1t
need not be commented on, for in
stance"
mo, no; Of course not"
| luuuk you very Iuucu. uuNe u
special reason for wishing to live at
this hotel. Indeed, / have given this
address for certain important docu-
ments. Will you kindly arrange that
I may be treated like any ordinary
person"
81 hope the clerk was not rude to
you?"
mot in the least. I am only anx-
ious to prevent special notice being
taken of me. You see, If others get to
know am living here alone, l will be
pointed out as n curiosity, and that
will not be pleasant"
The request was eminently reason
able. The manager assured him that
strict orders would be given on the
point instantly, though he was quite
certain in his own mind that inquiry
would soon be made for this remark
able youth. perhaps by the police.
| you can leave u.s." said Philip to
| the valet In French.
| Now the chance use of that lam
! guage, no less than his perfect accent,
| went long way toward removing the