Page:Burton Stevenson--The marathon mystery.djvu/104

82 overlooked. The furniture was of the commonest kind and consisted of only the most necessary articles.

Higgins led the way into the bedroom and opened the door of the bathroom beyond.

“I shall bring my own furniture,” I said. “But I haven’t any carpets. Perhaps I can buy these. They seem pretty good.”

“They are, sir,” agreed Higgins. “They’re good carpets and as good as th’ day they was put down. It’ll make it lots easier for us if we don’t have t’ take ’em up.”

“All right,” I agreed. “Find out what they’re worth. When can you have the rooms ready?”

He looked at me and scratched his head again; then, remembering suddenly the nature of janitors, I took out my purse and tipped him.

“Have them ready by to-morrow afternoon,” I said. “Get a man to help you, if necessary. I’ll expect to be at home here to-morrow night.”

His face cleared instantly.

“I’ll do it, sir,” he agreed, as he pocketed the money. “I’ll see that everything gits in all right. You kin sign th’ rent agreement to-morrow—th’ soot rents fer forty a month.”

“Very well,” I said, and followed him into the outer room, smiling to myself at the thought that I had forgotten to ask for this important detail: “Would you mind if I sat down and took a smoke, while I decide how I’ll arrange my furniture?”

“That’s all right, sir,” he assured me instantly; and just then the elevator bell rang. “There,” he