Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-10


 tive or youthful secretary of the Philip Anson, Esq, Pail Mall hotel" whose name figured on the paper.
 T suppose you only want this to be indicatedT' he said.
 "Yes," agreed Philip, who had not the remotest idea what he meant.
 "Sixpence," was the curt rejoinder.
 Philip thought he would be called on to pay many pounds-some amount in the nature of percentage of the sum named in the agreement. He produced the coin demanded and made no com ment. With stamp or without, he knew that Isaacstein would go straight in this preliminary undertaking. A single glimpse of the monster diamond in his pocket had made that quite cer- tain. - "
 For the rest he was rapidly making out plan which should secure his in terests effectually. He hoped before the day was out to have set on foot arrangements which would free him from all anxiety.
 From Somerset House he drove to the Pail Mall hotel. A gigantic hall DOT ter. looking like a youthful major gen eral in undress uniform, received him with much ceremony and ushered him to the office, where an urbane clerk instantly classed him as the avant courier of an American family.
 T want sitting room and bedroom en suite," said Philip.
 "One bedroom" was the surprised query.
 "Yes." r
 'How many Of you are there, thenT'
 q beg your pardon%
 Are you alone?'
 "Yes.'
 The clerk fumbled with the register. Precocious juveniles were not un- known to him, but boy of Philips type had not hitherto arisen over his horizon.
 "A sitting room and a bedroom en suite?" he replied. .
 Exactly"
 The clerk was disconcerted by Phil ip's steady gaze.
 "On what fioor?" he asked.
 Really" said Philip, T don't know. Suppose you tell me what accommoda- ton you have. Then I will decide at once."
 The official, who was one of the most skilled hotel clerks in London, found 1t ridiculous to be put out of countenance by mere boy who could not be a day older than seventeen and might be good deal less. He cast a critical eye 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 good suit vacant on the first floor. but it contains a dressing room and bathroom" he said. smiling the smile of very knowing person.
 That sounds all right. I will take it."
 "Ah. yes. It costs f5 dayr'
 Each of the six words in that DOT tentous sentence contained note of admiration that swelled cut into a magnificent crescendo. It was a yer bal avalanche, beneath which this queer youth should be crushed into the f very dust. "Five pounds a day- observed Philip calmly. T suppose there would be a reduction if taken for a month";
 "well-er-during the season 1t is not-er-usual to-
 "Oh. very well. can easily arrange 1 for a permanency later if I think fit ! What number is the suit. please, and | will you kindly have my luggage sent 1 there at onceT The clerk was demoralized, but he | to say:
 Do you quite understand the terms l pounds a weekr'
 "Yes." said Philip. Shall pay you | a week in advance? can give you | notes, but 1t will obIige me If you take l a check. as I may want the ready money in my possession"
 Receiving a faint indication that. l under the circumstances, check would | be esteemed a favor. Philip whipped out his check book, filled in a check to the hotel. and did not forget to cross 1t ''ac. payee."
 The clerk watched him with an too acute for words. lie produced the register and Philip signed his name. lie was given Q receipt for the payment on account, and then asked to be shown to his rooms.
 A boy smaller, but not younger. than smart page. who listened to the foregoing with deep interest asked tirnidly whether the guest would go by the stairs or use the elevator. T will walk" said Philip. who liked to ascertain his bearings.
 The palatial nature of the apart ments took him by surprise when be reached them. Alths-gh far from be- Ing the most expensive suit in the hotel. the surroundings were of a na- ture vastly removed from anything hitherto known to him.
 Even the charming house he inhabit- ed as a child in Dleppe contained DO such luXury. His portmanteau fol- lowed quickly. and a valet entered Philips quick ears caught the accent ,f Frenchman. and the boy spoke to he man ia the language of his ooun- try. pure and undehled by the barbar- sms of John Bull
 They were chatting about the veath-