Rupert's Ambition

Brief Extract: The detective, as he left the reading room, passed Rupert, who was just entering. "Let me see," he said, tapping Rupert on the shoulder, "you are the bell-boy who came near being murdered by a crank?" "Yes, sir." "You escaped ... Read more

Brief Extract: The detective, as he left the reading room, passed Rupert, who was just entering. "Let me see," he said, tapping Rupert on the shoulder, "you are the bell-boy who came near being murdered by a crank?" "Yes, sir." "You escaped very cleverly. You are evidently a sharp boy. Keep your eyes open, don't you?" "Yes, sir; except when I'm asleep." "We detectives have to keep our eyes open all the time, but we can't be everywhere at once. Now I feel a little inclined to make you my deputy—not permanently, but for a time." "All right, sir." "Have you noticed rather a flashy young man, looking like a dude, with an eyeglass and cane?" "Yes, sir; he is frequently in the hotel." "You know, of course, that he isn't a guest?" "Yes, sir. We bell-boys know who are guests and who are not." "Possibly you may have wondered what his business is here?" "Yes, sir." "He is a confidence man. His business is to pick up victims, and make what he can out of them. Do you see that old gentleman over by the window?" "Yes, sir." Less