The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-06-21
By Louis Tracy,
Continued from yesterday1

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 be a day older than seventeen and
might be a good deal less. He cast a
critical eye on Philips clothing and
saw that while it was good, it 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 a good suit vacant on the
first floor, but it contains a dressing
room and bathroom" he said. smiling
the smile of a very knowing person.
That sounds all right. I will take
IT,"
"Ah. yes. It costs f5 a dayy"
Each Of the six words in that por-
tentous sentence contained 4 note of
admiration that swelled out into
magnificent crescendo. 1t was YER
bal avalanche, beneath which this
queer youth should be crushed into the
very dust
Five pounds a day." observed
Philip calmly II suppose there would
be a reduction if taken for a month";
"Well-er-during the season it is
not-er-usual to-
"Oh, very well. I can easily arrange
for a permanency later if 1 think fit.
What number is the suit, please, and
will you kindly have my luggage sent
there at once"
i1n6 lint hn
managed to say:
do you quite understand the terms
--thirty-five 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
check, as I may want the ready
money in my possession"
Receiving a faint indication that
under the circumstances, a check would
be esteemed favor, Philip whipped
out his check book, filled in a check to
the hotel, and did not forget to cross
it "ac. payee."
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.
4 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.
II will walk" said Philip, who liked
to ascertain his bearings.
The palatial 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 a child in DiepDe contained no
such luxury. His portmanteau fol
lowed quickly, and 4 valet entered
Philips quick ears caught the accent
Of a Frenchman. and the boy spoke to
= the man in the language of his coun-
: try, pure and Undecided by the barbar-
\ isms of John Bull.
They We're chatting about the wealth
er, which, by the way, ever since the
10Th OF March had been extraordi
d the door, and the manager entered.
l The clerk found the situation toe
much for him. He had appealed to g
3 higher authority.
3 Even the suave and diplomatic NJ
4 Foret could not conceal the astonish
8 ment that leaped to his eyes when be
4 saw the occupant of suit f.
8 Il think you will find these rooms
q very comfortable" he said for lack Of
Z aught better. A commiSsionnaire wa;
B already on his way to the bank to ash
8 if the check was all right.
3 Are you the manager?" asked Phil
3 ip, who was washing his hands.
3 Yes"
Z L am glad you called. One of you
clerks seemed to be taken aback be
8 cause youngster like me engaged al
a expensive suit I suppose the proceed
d ing is unusual, but there is no reason
b why it should create excitement I
need not be commented on, for in
D stance"
B No, no; OF course not"
J Thank you very much. I have
= special reason for wishing to live q
| JnlS nOtei. Iuueeu' nave gwen III
address for certain important docu
ments Will you kindly arrange tina
I may be treated like any o~dinar.
person"
II hope the clerk was not rude t
you?"
. Not in the least. 1 am only anS
lous to prevent special notice bein
taken of me- You see, if others get
know 1 am living here alone, I will b
: pointed out as q curiosity, and tia
- will not be pleasant.
The request was eminently reason
n able. The manager assured him tia
v strict orders would be given on th
point instantly. though he was quit
certain in his own mind that inquir