stly scratch
was bleeding furiously, and he had to keep his hand behind, him to
prevent her from seeing it.

They hurried through the empty lobby and down the long corridor that led
to the elevator. Bobby was full of excitement over the recent adventure
and the part Percival had played in it.

"My, but you were quick!" she said as they went up on the elevator. "I
had just time to shut my eyes and open them again, and it was all over."

"Nothing to speak of," said Percival, twisting his handkerchief tighter
around his throbbing wrist.

"But you don't mind my being proud of you, do you?" asked Bobby as the
elevator stopped at his floor. "When I see a man show courage like that,
I just feel as if--as if I'd like to squeeze him."

Percival's left hand shot out and caught hers to his lips.

"Why, Mr. Hascombe!" she cried "What's the matter with your arm? No,
I mean the other one."

"A mere scratch."

"But your sleeve's cut, and the handkerchief is all blood-stained. Why
didn't you tell me you were hurt?"

"I assure you it is nothing. Quite all right in the morning. Breakfast
with you at nine. Happy dreams!"

Bobby was not to be so easily put off. She insisted upon following him
out of the elevator and inspecting the wound,

"Why, it's dreadful!" she cried. "And it must have been bleeding like
this for five minutes! Quick! Where's your room?"

"But really, my dear girl, I can't allow this. You must get back into
the lift straight away and go up to your room."

"I sha'n't do anything of the sort until you get Judson or a doctor or
somebody."

Percival would have carried his point but for a certain dizziness that
had come over him. He put out a hand to steady himself.

"Give me your key!" he heard Bobby saying, and the next instant his door
was flung open, the lights were switched on, and he was staggering
blindly toward the couch at the foot of the bed. Then there was a
furious ringing of bells, a long wait, followed by the appearance of
a sleepy Chinese night watchman.

"Gentleman hurt!" cried Bobby. "Get a doctor! Send somebody up here
quick! Do you understand?"

"Me savvy," said the Chinaman, calmly. "Doctor no belong Astor Hotel.
All same belong Oliental Hotel."

"I don't care where he belongs," Bobby cried impatiently. "Get him over
the telephone. And send somebody up from the office, do you understand?"

"Oh, yes, me savvy," he said, with the imperturbability of his race.

Percival heard the man