that might
be set with diamonds but perhaps wasn't; on his fingers gleamed two or
three elaborate rings. He had curly blond hair and a blond moustache
and he wore gold-rimmed eyeglasses. Altogether the little man was quite
a dandy and radiated prosperity. So, when the driver of the automobile
handed out two heavy suit cases and received from the stranger a crisp
bill for his services, Mary Ann Hopper realized with exultation that
the hotel was to have a guest.

As the car which had brought him rolled away the little man turned,
observed Mary Ann, and removing his silt hat bowed low.

"I presume," said he in precise accents, "that this town is that of
Cragg's Crossing, and that this building is the hotel. Am I correct in
the surmise?"

"I'll call Pa," said Mary Ann, somewhat embarrassed. Drummers she could
greet with unconcern, but this important individual was a man of a
different sort. His brilliant personality dazzled her.

Mr. Hopper came out in his shirtsleeves, gave one look at his customer
and put on his coat.

"Goin' to stay, sir?" he asked.

"For a time, if I like the accommodations," was the reply. "I am in
need of perfect quiet. My doctor says I must court tranquility to avoid
a nervous breakdown. I do not know your town; I do not know your hotel;
I hired a man in the city to drive me until I came to a quiet place. He
assured me, on the way, that this is a quiet place."

"I dunno him," said Hopper, "but he didn't put up no bluff. If ye can
find a quieter place ner this, outside a graveyard, I'll board ye fer
noth'n'."

"I thank you for your assurance, sir. Can you show me to the best room
you can place at my disposal?"

"Had dinner?"

"I thank you, yes. I am weary from the long ride. I will lie down for
an hour. Then I will take my usual walk. When I return I would like an
omelet with mushrooms--I suppose you have no truffles?--for my evening
meal."

The landlord grinned and picked up the suit cases.

"We're jest out o' truffles an' we're out o' mushrooms," he said, "but
we're long on eggs an' ye can have 'em omeletted or fried or b'iled, as
it suits yer fancy. Sophie's best hold is cookin' eggs. Sophie's my
wife, ye know, an' there ain't no better cook in seven counties, so the
drummers say."

As he spoke he entered the house and led the way up the stairs.

"Thank you; thank you," said the stranger. "I am glad your good wife is
an experienced cook. Kindly ask her to spare no expense in pre