Across the desk in the small lobby the newcomer spoke curtly. "Good
room and a bath? I want an absolutely quiet room where I get no
kitchen noises or ballroom dancing. Windows with a breeze--if you've
got such a thing."
"I can't give you the bath," Tom answered regretfully, "because we
haven't got one that goes with any room in the house. But you can have
plenty of hot and cold, in cans. The room will be quiet, all right. And
we always have a breeze up here, if there is one anywhere in the world.
Shall I show you?"
"Lead on," assented the stranger. He had not offered to register, though
Tom had extended to him a freshly dipped pen.
"He's going to make sure first," thought Tom, recognizing a sign of the
experienced traveller. He led the way himself, feeling, for some
reason, unwilling to hand young Tim the key and allow him to exploit the
rooms. As they mounted the stairs, Tom was rapidly considering. He had
brought along three keys--rather an unusual act on his part. It was hard
to say why he felt it necessary to bestow any special attention upon
this guest, who certainly was by no means of an imposing appearance, and
whose hot-weather dress was as careless as his manner.
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