Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-09-17

4 u nicely painted Oh them, Philil
stopped his cab at Somerset House
He experienced no difficulty in reach
ing the proper department for stamp
ing documents, and thus giving then
legal significance.
An official glanced ut Isaacstein's
contract note ard then looked at Phil
ip. evidently regarding him as II re!a
tive or youthful secretary of the
"Philip Anson, Esq, Pail Mall hotel.
whose name figured on the paper.
81 suppose you only want this to be
indicated?" 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 Oh
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
Iii this preliminary undertaking. \
single glimpse of the monster diamond
in his pocket had made that quite GER
tain.
For the rest he was rapidly making
out plan which should secure his in
terests effectually. lie 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 por-
ter, looking like Il 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.
81 want a sitting room and bedroom
en- suite" said Philip.
zone bedroom?" was the surprised
query.
Eyes"
"How many of you are there, thenT
~ beg your pardon"
"Are you alone?'
"Yes."
The clerl, fumbled with the register
1fecocious Juveniles were not un'
known to him, but boy of Philips
type had not hitherto arisen over his
horizon.
"a sitting room and bedroom en-
suite?" he replied.
Exactly"
The clerk was disconnected by Phil.
lp's steady gaze.
"On whSt floor?" he asked.
"Really," said Philip, 81 don't know.
Suppose you tell me what accommoda'
ton you have. Then l will decide at
once"
The official, who was one Of the
most skilled hotel clerks In London
found it ridiculous TO be put out OF
countenance by mere boy who could
not he day older than seventeen and
might be a 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 lie 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 II contains a dressing
room and bathroom" he said. smiling
the smile of 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 n note OF
admiration that swelled out into q
magnificent crescendo. 1t was YER
bal avalanche, beneath which this
queer youth should be crushed into the
very dust.
"Tive pounds a day" observed
Philip calmly. 81 suppose there would
he a reduction II taken for month"
"Well-er-durlng the season 1t Is
not-er-usual to-
"Oh, very we'll. I can easily arrange
for a permanency later II 1 think fit
What number is the suit, please. and
will you kindly have my luggage sent
there at oncsY
The clerk was demoralized. but he
managed to say:
"Do you quite understand the terms
-thirty-five pounds a week"
EYES," said Philip. "Shall pay you
week in advance? can give you
notes, but 1t will oblige me II you take
check, as I may want the ready
money In my possession"
Receiving faint indication that
under the circumstances, n check woull
be esteemed a favor. Philip whipped
out his cheo', hook, filed II check to