New Britain herald., 1923-05-10
CHAPTER |, Inc l,neTn0r's smiIn

Room service at the Ajax is Of a quality beiitting the newest, largest and the most expensive hotel in nalu las, While the standard of excellence is uniformly high, nevertheless some extra care usually attached ta hreakr fast ordered from the Governors suitev-most elegant and most eSpenr sive of ali the suites-henCe the waiter checked over his card and made a final, 1utterlng examination to be sure that the chilled fruit was chilled and that the hot plates were hot before he rapped on the door, A voice. loud and eheeY bade him enter,
 The paiama'elad guest east a hungry eye over the contents Of the rubber.tired breakfast table, He, too, tested the temperature Of the melon and felt the cover Of tho toast plate.
 "splendid." he cried. "Niee rooms, prompt sergiec, q pleasaht'faeed waiter. Why. l couldn't fare better in my best club, Thanks to you, my first impression Of Dallas is wholly helightful." He seated himself in n Iadded boudoir chair, unfoided n snowy scryiette and attacked his breakfast with inc enthusiasm of a perfectly healthy animal.
 "Is this your first visit here, sir''
 Absolutely. Dallas is as foreign to me as Lhasa. If IS the Ragdad Of my dreams and It's streets are strange. Perhaps they are full Of ad- venture for mo. hope so. Any thing exciting can happen in n town where ono has neither friends nor ac- aualntances. eh?"
 May I ask if you arc in oil. sir''
 Tn oil? Bless me, what n nause' ating question--at this hour or the day.'
 Most everybody here is in oil. We turn dozens away every day, were that full It's the boom. I'm in oil myself-in a small way, of course lis like this: sometimes gentlemen like--well, like you. sir--giVe me IDS They drop a hint, like, about thelr stocks. and I've done well--in small way. of course. It doesn't cost them anything and--some of them are very kind. You'd really be surprised
 "Oh. not at all." The occupant or tho Governors suite leaned back In his chair and smiled widely AS a matter of fact, l am fiattered, TOT u is evident that you are endowed "ilh the money making instinct ana that you unerringly recognize 1t in others Very well, I shall sec what l can do for you. But while we are on the subject of tips. would you mind heip- ing yourself to a dollar out of my pocket?" |,
 The waiter proceeded to do as d. rected. but moment later announced anologetically Heres all find SIT Jt,s mostly pennies" He exposed a handful of small coins.
 Look in my coat, if you will
 Rut the second search resulted as had as the first. Strange. mur- mured the guest, without rising. must hay, been robbed. I remember now. a fellow crowded me as l left my train. Um-m, Robbed-at the very gates of Bagdad Dallas is a rity of Adventure Please add your tip to the check. and--make II two dollars. I'd like to have you serve me every morning, for I cannot abode an acid face at breakfast. It sours my whole day"
 Calvin Gray finished his breakfast smoked cigarette as he scanned the morning paper, then he dressed him- self with meticulous care.
 Some men possess an cffortiess knack of commanding attention anu inspiring courtesy. Calvin Gray was one of these. Before many moments he was in the managers office, ex- nlaining, suavely: Now that nave introduced myself, I wish to thank YOU for taking care of me upon such short notice" ,s
 Tt was the only space we had' IT you wish, I'll have your rooms changed as soon as"
 Have you something better"
 Haviland, the manager, laughed anu shook his head, Scarcely. mat suite is our pet and our pride' There's nothing to beat it in the Whoie Southwest"
 Tt is very nice May l inquire