Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-10-23

The clerk watched him with an
amazement too acute for words. He
produced the register and Philip signed
his name. He was given n 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 tlmidly whether the guest would
go by the stairs or use the elevator.
II will walk" said Philip. who liked
to Ascertain his bearings.
The pnlatial nature of the apart
ments took him by surprise when he
reached them. Although far from be-
ing the most expensive suit in the
hotel, the surroundings were of a ma
ture vastly removed from anything
hitherto known to him.
Even the charming house he inhabit-
ed as child IN Dieppe contained no
such luxury. His portmanteau fol-
lowed quickly, and 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 extraordl-
narily fine, when there was Il knock ut
the door, and the manager entered.
The clerk found the situation too
much for him. He had appealed to a
higher authority.
Foret could not conceal the astonish-
ment that leaped to his eyes when he
saw the occupant Of suit +.
II think you Will find these rooms
very comfortable" he said for lack of
aught better. A commissionnaire was
already on his way to the bank to ask
If the check was oil right.
Are you the manager?' asked Phil
Up, who was washing his hands.
"Yes."
81 am glad you called. One of your
clerks seemed to be taken aback be-
cause youngster like me engaged an
expensive suit. suppose the proceed
why 1t should create excitement. 1t
need not be commented on, for In
stance"
mo, no; of course not"
"Thank you very much. have e
special reason for wishing to live at
this hotel. Indeed, l have given this
address for certain important docu-
lnents. Will you kindly arrange that
may be treated like any ordinary
person"
81 hope the clerk was rot rude to
you?"
"Not in the least. l am only anx-
lous to prevent special notice being
taken Of me. You see, If others get to
know am living here alone, will be
pointed out as curiosity, and TINT
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 Ian
guage, no less than his perfect accent,
went long way toward removing the
managers suspicious. A boy who was
so well educated must be quite out Of
the common. Perhaps some eccentric
parent or guardian encouraged him to
act independently thus early in life.
He might be the son of rich man
coming to London for special course
of study. The name, Arson, was an
aristocratic one. But his clothes they
were odd. Good enough, but not the
right thing.
"Will you oblige me my recommend
ing good tailor! said Philip. ~
need complete outfit of wearing up
parel, and 1t will save me lot OF
trouble If somebody will tell me exact
ly whit to buy and where to buy it."
His uncanny trick of thought reading
Disconnected tile manager greatly. Un
doubtedly the boy was puzzle. New
Ell had this experienced man Of tn
world met any one more self pos
sessed, more direct and yet, with it al
exceedingly polite.