"I know Mr. Preston
personally, and as I am pressed for time, I will accept his name
without calling upon him. What is your name?"
"Paul Hoffman."
"I will note it down."
The gentleman from Syracuse drew out a memorandum book, in which
he entered Paul's name.
"When you see Mr. Preston, just mention my name; Felix
Montgomery."
"I will do so."
"Say, if you please, that I would have called upon him, but,
coming to the city strictly on business, was too hurried to do
so."
This also Paul promised, and counted himself fortunate in falling
in with a friend, or, at all events, acquaintance of Mr. Preston,
since he was likely to make twenty-five dollars more than he
would otherwise have done.
When he got out of the car at the Astor House, the stranger said:
"It will be half an hour before I can reach Lovejoy's, as I have
a business call to make first. Can you call there, say, in
three-quarters of an hour?"
"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.
Pages:
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145