CHAPTER 1Back and forth across the lobby, thumbs hooked in the armholes of his almost screaming waistcoat, and with a three-carat diamond scintillating prosperously from his tie of radiant hues, the self-important man promenaded, the object of both amused and sneering smiles. His type was not new to the exclusive Blackmere Hotel. Despite his palpable assumed air of concentration, it was evident from the way he occasionally glanced about that he yearned for companionship.
Mr. Amos Clackworthy, extremely partial to the Blackmere cuisine, had just finished a delectable dinner and was idling away half an hour before the theater. A flicker of interest showed in his eyes, as, with amusement at first, he began to study the man. To ignore this collection of fine raiment was impossible. He was as
