Page:Earl Derr Biggers - Seven Keys to Baldpate (1913).djvu/164

146 the group. Peters entered with coffee, and was (engaged in pouring it when Mr. Bland started up wildly from the table with an expression of alarm [on his face.

"What's that?" he cried.

The others looked at him in wonder.

"I heard steps up-stairs," he declared.

"Nonsense," said Mr. Cargan, "you re dream- ing. This peace and quiet has got to you, Bland."

Without replying, Mr. Bland rose and ran up the stair. In his absence the Hermit of Baldpate spoke into Magee's ear.

"I ain't one to complain," he said; "livin alone as much as I do I ve sort of got out of the habit, having nobody to complain to. But if folks keep coming and coming to this hotel, I've got to re sign as cook. Seems as though every few min utes there's a new face at the table, and it's a vital matter to me."

"Cheer up, Peters," whispered Mr. Magee. "There are only two more keys to the inn. There will be a limit to our guests."

"What I'm getting at is," replied Mr. Peters, there's a limit to my endurance."