Argosy All-Story Weekly — "The Purple Limited" — page 177: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BING, .BANG,; BOOM! back, he says, so he wrote somethin’ fer me ter give yer.” “Well!” “ Here,” said Amos, handing him an en- velope. ‘‘ An’ I put th’ package in th’ tele- gram-room.”’ David led the way to the telegram-room, glanced at* the large oblong package that lay on the table, seated himself, and ripped the edge from the envelope. The letter he drew out read: Dear Davi: an Wanted to see you to-night, but didn’t have time to wait for you. Have a million things to attend to at fhe hotel to-night. Been at Pinebluff all day, and finally hired a chef named Deschamps, who says he’s the best in the world. He will get all necessary assistants, so that worry is over. Don't remember if I told you or mot that dad is coming to-morrow. He telegraphed for reservations the other day. If, by any chance, you should meet him before I do, don’t let on that ['m the guy who owns— partiy—the Majestic. He doesn’t know I’m in Selma, at all! ~ Hope you'll like these things I brought you. I had to take a chance on the sizes, and I hope they'll fit you all right. I saw a lawyer this morning and got that contract written up. When you come to the hotel to- morrow morning, you, Fred and I will sign it and become real partners. So-long, till to-morrow. ‘ ; B. B. B. While David was untying his package, Amos hovered near. Before his. widening eyes David disclosed the contents of the box, holding tp for their mutual inspection and admiration the dark gray ‘suit,e the satin-striped silk shirt, and the two flowing silk scarfs. | “ Gosh!” Amos gasped. mus!” | . ‘‘ Everythin’ but collars an’ shoes!” breathed David, his eyes seeming about td dance right out of his. head. ‘“ An’ them I'll git from Bl&ckton’s fust thing in the mornin’. Bless my soul! What a boy!” ‘‘ He says he got somethin’ fer me, too,” fluttered Amos. ‘“ He says I'll git it when I come to th’ hotel to-morrer. It’s a uni- ferm! An’ it’s got stripes down th’ pants! ”’ “A uniform!” exclaimed David. ‘“What ‘re you goin’ to do with a uni- form?” | s ‘¢ Jiminy Chris- é 143 ‘“’m quittin’ this here job to-morrer when you do,” replied Amos. ‘“ You don’t~ think I’m gonna work fer that ole Dickson - who’s gonna take yer place, do yer? I sh’ud say not, I won’t! I’m gonna beea bell-hop at th’ Majestic, I am! That there Bing, Bang, Boom says I could, an’ he says I’m gonna be gener’! sup’intentent of th’ ice-water!”’ ‘“Glory be! You’re sure comin’ up in the world, Amos!” “Ain't I, though?” Amos _ thrilled. ‘‘ That’s what I tol’ that there Bing, Bang, ' Boom, an’ he says Ill be goin’ up right along.”’ “ That you will,” David agreed solemn- ly. ‘‘ With the ice-water!”’ CHAPTER XXV. . HER MAJESTY—THE MAJESTIC. “¢ HERE’S no use of talking,” said T Bert, leaning across the mahogany desk toward Fred, who stood be- hind it, “‘ this hotel is certainly the heavy- weight champion of the world!” “You said it!” Fred’ agreed smilingly. ‘““ And here comes another ton!”’ Bert turned to face the door. Another bus-load of guests had arrived — four of them, to be exact. Bert calculated that their combined weights must have totaled no less than eight hundred and twenty pounds, with the lady of the party holding the honors of individual poundage. They walked heavily to the desk, and the three men stood aside for the lady to register. ‘‘T hope you have reserved my room all right,” she said anxiously, as Fred took the pen from her and read her signature. ‘“‘ Indeed we have,” assured Fred. ‘I hope you'll find everything satisfactory here, Mrs. Maguire.” He tapped a bell at his elbow. ‘‘ Front!” | “Tf I can really reduce here, anything will be satisfactory,” sighed Mrs. Maguire. ‘Will you please have a pitcher of the water sent up to my room right away?” ‘““Oh, it mustn’t be drunk that way,” said Fred. ‘Just a glassful every morn- ing. Here’s a little booklet we had pre- pared by Dr. Nedman, of Fort Smith. (C(O) nn) (C 6)(0)O) S (C(O) nn