“Uniform?” he repeated. “Um.… I hain’t got no sech thing.”
“Then,” I said, starting for the door, “the new bell-boy will have to furnish his own uniform.”
I was filled with giggles as I ran down the street to our house. For I had a blinger of an idea. Finding the doors locked, I went in through a cellar window. And without a second’s delay I beat it for the attic to get the messenger-boy suit.
I had worn this suit in a school play. It was made of bright red cloth, with brass buttons up and down the front of a monkey jacket, and gold braid on the seams of the long trousers. Also the peakless cap was decorated with braid and buttons.
I got dressed. And rubbing the powder from my face I grinned at the young darkey whose face was reflected in the bedroom mirror.
“Who are you?” I inquired. [[156]]
“Ah’s the new bell-boy,” he replied, “an’ mah name is Gawge.”
“All right, George,” I nodded, “let’s see you grin.”
“Ya’, suh, boss; ya’, suh.”
“Fine!” I laughed; and rolling my other clothes into a bundle, I cut a bee-line for the hotel.