The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-10-02

| Yes"
| The clerk fumbled with the register
| Precocious juveniles were not I'M
known to him, but a boy of Philips
| type had not hitherto arisen over his
| horizon.
"A sitting room and a bedroom en-
suite: % he replied.
| Exactly"
| ps steady gaze.
"On what foor?' he asked
Really" said Philip. Il 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 be q day older than seventeen and
might be a good deal less. He cast
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 ol LIS EedSObiuS.
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 day"
| Each Of the six words in that por-
| tentous sentence contained a note OF
admiration that swelled out into
| magnificent crescendo. 1t was a YER
bal avalanche, beneath which this
queer youth should be crushed into the
| very dust.
Give pounds day" observed
Philip calmly. Il suppose there would
| be a reduction If taken for n month";
"Well-er-during the season it Is
| not-er-usual to-
"Oh. very well. I can easily arrange
| for a permanency later If I 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-five pounds a week.
"Yes." said Philip. "Shall pay you
week in advance? I 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 a favor. Philip whipped
out his check book, filled in 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.
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
| 60 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 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 undef1led 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 a knock at
the door, and the manager entered.
| The clerk found the situa ton too
much for him. He had appealed to a
higher authority.
| Even the suave and diplomatic NJ.
Foret could not conceal the astonish-
ment that leaped to his eyes when he
saw the occupant of suit F.
II think you will find these room
very comfortable" he said for lack of
aught better. A commissionnaire was
already on his way to the bank to ask
II the check was oil right.
Are you the manager?' asked Phil
ip, 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 l suppose the proceed
ing is unusual, but there is no reason
why 1t should create excitement. Il
need not be commented on, for in
| stance"
NO, no: OF course not"
| Thank You very much. l have
| special reason for wishing to live
| this hotel. Indeed, l have given thi
address for certain important docu
ments. Will you kindly arrange thu
I may be treated like any ordinar,
| person"
Il hope the clerk was not rude t,
you?"
Not in the least. I am only anx.
ious to prevent special notice being
taken OF me. You see, If others get tc
know I am living here alone, l will BE-
| pointed out as a curiosity, and tlla
| will not be pleasant"
The request was eminentIy reaso:
able. The manager assured him the
strict orders would be given on Il
point instantly, though he was quit
1 rarfcfn IN hir prx-p mind tba+