The Washington times., 1911-08-27
CHAPTER w.
The Entrance of the Prince.

n EVERTHELESS, sundry small
N @ins. sn'"f' weighed 0" N'sA'''s 5
First, there was Jules wink.
Then there was the ribbon on the
door handle and Jules visit TO NO.
111, and the broken window-broken
from the outside.
Racksole did not forget that the
time was a. m. He slept but little
that night, but he was glad that he
had bought the Grand Babylon Hotel
1t was an acquisition which seemed
to promise fun and diversion.
The next morning he came across
MIR. Babylon early
Il have emptied my private room of
all personal papers, said Babylon,
"and it is now at your disposal. l
purpose, If agreeable to yourself, to
stay on in the hotel as a guesI for
the present. We nave much to settle
with regard to the compleuon OF the
purchase, and also there are things
which you might want to ask me.
Also, TO tell the truth, 1 am not anX-
tous to leave the old place with too
much suddenness.'
'T shall be delighted if you will
stay" said the millionaire, but it
must be as my guest, not as the
guest of the hotel"
"You are very kind"
"As for wishing to consult you. no
doubt l shall have need to do so, but
must say that the show seems to
run itself"
"Ah," said Babylon. thoughtfully. ct
have heard OF hotels that run them
that they obey the laws of gravity
and run downward. You will have
your hands full For example, have
you. yet heard about Miss Spencer"
No" said Racksole. What of herr
She has mysteriously vanished dur
ing the night, and nobody appears TO
be able to throw any light on the af-
fair. Her room is empty, her boxes
gone. You will want some one to take
her place. and that someone will not be
very easy to get"
HIM Racksole said. after a pause.
Hers is not the only post that falls
vacant today"
A little later the millionaire Installed
himself in the late owners private
room and rarg the bell.
Il want Jules" he said to the page.
While waiting for Jules, Racksole con-
Eidered the question Of Miss Spencer
disappearance.
Good morning, Jules" was his cheer
full greeting when the imperturable
waiter arrived.
Good morning, SIR
Take a chair
Thank you, sir"
Jules"
Yes, sir, at 8 a. m"
Rather strange about Miss Spencer s
departure, is 1t not?" suggested Rack
cole.
1T is remarkable, sir"
''You are aware. of course, that Mr..
Babylon has transferred all his inter
ests In his hotel to me?'
I have been informed to that effect,
Il suppose you know everything that
goes on in the hotel, Jules?
"As head waiter, sir, II is my bust
ness to keep general eye on things.
,ora,onos You speak Ak very good English for
For a foreigner. sir! l am an Eng
1tshman, a Hartfordshire mar. born ahd
bred. Perhaps my name has misled
you. sir. am only called Jules be-
high-class hotel must have either a
French or an Italian name"
II see," said Racksole. Il think you
must be rather a clever person, Jules
THAT is not for me TO say, SIR"
How long has the hotel enjoyed the
advantage of your services?''
"A little over twenty years.
That is a long time TO be IN one
place. Don't you think it's time you
got out of the rut? You are still young,
and might make reputation for your.
self in another and wider sphere"
Racksole looked at the man steadily,
and his glance was as steadily returned.
You aren't satisfied with me, sir?''
ITO be frank. Jules, 1 think-I think
you-er-wink too much. And / think
that It is regrettable when head wait
er falls into habit of taking white
ribbons from the handles of Bedroom
doors at 8 in the morning"
81 see how 1t is, sir. You wish me to
go, and one pretext. If may use the
term. is as good as another. Very
we'll. I can't say that / am SURPRISED
1t sometimes happens that there is in
compatibility of temper between a hotel
proprietor and his head waiter, and
then. unless one of them goes, the hotel
IS likely to suffer. l will go, Mr.. Rack
cole. In fact, had already thought OF
giving notice"
The millionaire smiled appreciative-
What wages do you require in lieu
Of notice? It is my intention that you
leave the hotel within an hour"
II require no wages in lieu of no.
tice, sir. would scorn to accept any
thing. And 1 will leave Immediate
Good day, then. You have my good
wishes and my admiration so long as
Rou keep out of my hotel"
Racksole got up.
Good day, sir. And thank you"
by the way. Jules, 1t will be use
less for you to apply to any other
first-rate European hotel for a post
because I shall take measures which
will insure the rejection of any such
application"
without discussing the question
whether or not there aren't at least
half a dozen hotels in London alone
that would jump for JOY at the chance
of getting me-, answered Jules, 81
may tell you, sir, that 1 shall retire
from my profession"
Really! You shall turn your brain
to a different channel?"
mo, sir. l shall take rooms in Albe-
marie or Jermyn street, and just be
content to be a man about town.
have saved some 100000 mere
trif1e, but sufficient for my needs
and shall now proceed to enjoy It