Part 27 (1/2)

”Yes, sir.”

”Very well, then, I will expect you. Inquire for me at the desk, and ask the servant to conduct you to my room--you remember my name?”

”Yes, sir--Mr. Felix Montgomery.”

”Quite right. Good-by, then, till we meet.”

Mr. Felix Montgomery went into the Astor House, and remained about five minutes. He then came out on the steps, and, looking about him to see if Paul was anywhere near, descended the steps, and walked across to Lovejoy's Hotel. Going up to the desk, he inquired:

”Can you accommodate me with a room?”

”Yes, sir; please enter your name.”

The stranger entered his name with a flourish, as Felix Montgomery, Syracuse.

”Room No. 237,” said the clerk; ”will you go up now?”

”Yes, I think so.”

”Any luggage?”

”My trunk will be brought from the St. Nicholas in the course of the afternoon.”

”We require payment in advance where there is no luggage.”

”Very well. I will pay for one day. I am not sure but I shall get through my business in time to go away to-morrow.”

Here the servant appeared to conduct Mr. Montgomery to his room.

”By the way,” he said, turning back, as if it were an afterthought, ”I directed a boy to call here for me in about half an hour. When he comes you may send him up to my room.”

”Very well, sir.”

Mr. Montgomery followed the servant upstairs to room No. 237. It was rather high up, but he seemed well pleased that this was the case.

”Hope you won't get tired of climbing, sir,” said the servant.

”No--I've got pretty good wind.”

”Most gentlemen complain of going up so far.”

”It makes little difference to me.”

At length they reached the room, and Mr. Montgomery entered.

”This will answer very well,” he said, with a hasty glance about him.

”When my trunk comes, I want it sent up.”

”Yes, sir.”