Course after course was placed before them, and the coffee stage of the proceedings had just arrived when the sound of loud voices in the corridor attracted general attention.
“Don’t go in there, boy,” exclaimed a commanding voice. “Get right out of this hotel!”
“I ain’t goin’ to, I tells yer. I know this is the place ’cause he told me he was comin’ here hisself.”
“There’s some mistake, boy; none of our guests could possibly want to see you.”
“That’s where you’re foolin’ yerself. The clerk says he’s in the eatin’ parlor. I’ll wait outside while you goes in an’ looks around. He’s a big fat feller with a round face.”
“You’re the most impudent little rooster I’ve ever met. I’ll do nothing of the sort.”
“Then I’ll do it myself.”
There was the sound of a struggle.
“Grab him, Richards!” bawled the same loud voice. “Quick!”
Following this came a snort of indignation and disgust, and the eyes of every one in the room, focused on the doorway, saw a stocky, freckle-faced boy swinging recklessly into the room, with the faultlessly-dressed manager close at his heels.