The Quests of Paul Beck - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 edition. Excerpt: ... vi the rape of the ruby "I Want a room, not a rat-hole," said the Hon. Staunton Toleron angrily to the manager of the Hotel Cyril. He had been offered a small room on the fifth floor with one window looking out on nowhere. The manager, a short, stout, dark man with closedipped whiskers and beady eyes, was all politeness. Plainly he did not want to offend an " Honourable," though a more dishonourable "Honourable" than Staunton Toleron could not be found in broad England. A handsome young fellow enough of the "dude" type, nose long, mouth weak, eyes light blue, chin and forehead slightly receding, hair parted smoothly in the centre, he looked the pigeon rather than the hawk. His face was his fortune at the racecourse and the card-table, but of late his fortune had been somewhat out of joint. There were ugly rumours afloat, and men had become shy of playing or betting with the Hon. Staunton. "I'm so sorry," said the manager, "but it's the best we can do for you; the place is crowded from the floor to the roof." "Couldn't you put me somewhere that looks out on to the river? I want a breath of air; I don't want to be roasted before my time." "Yesterday we could have," said the manager; "to-day we cannot. Our last suite of rooms--about the best we have--were taken for Miss Betty Barry." "But she's in Paris; she doesn't open at the Lyceum until Monday, and this is only Friday." "She has taken the rooms in advance. She had them last time she was here, and she likes them, and she is a lady who doesn't let anything interfere with her liking. She will be here on Monday afternoon." "Put me in till she comes, there's a good fellow. I know Betty; she is a pal of mine and a right good sort. I'm sure she wouldn't object. I hope to clear out before...