ing life with a vengance he muttered to
himself as he paid his bill at the desk. Outside Mr Salteena found a
tall policeman. Could you direct me to the Crystale Pallace if you
please said Mr Salteena nervously.

Well said the geniul policeman my advice would be to take a cab sir.

[Pg 49]
Oh would it said Mr Salteena then I will do so.

He hailed a Hansome and got speedily in to the Crystal Palace he cried
gaily and holding his bag on his knees he prepared to enjoy the sights
of the Metropilis. It was a merry drive and all too soon the Palace
heaved in view. Mr Salteena sprang out and paid the man and then he
entered the wondrous edifice. His heart beat very fast as two huge men
in gold braid flung open the doors. Inside was a lovely fountain in
the middle and all round were little stalls where you could buy sweets
and lemonade also scent handkerchiefs and many dainty articles. There
were a lot of peaple but nobody very noteable.

At last after buying two bottles of scent and some rarther nice sweets
which stuck to his teeth Mr Salteena beheld a wooden door on which was
nailed a notice saying To the Privite Compartments.

Ah ha said Mr Salteena to himself this is [Pg 50] evidently my next move,
and he gently pushed open the door straitening his top hat as he did so.
Inside he found himself in a dimly lit passage with a thick and
handsom carpet. Mr Salteena gazed round and beheld in the gloom a very
superier gentleman in full evening dress who was reading a newspaper
and warming his hands on the hot water pipes. Mr Salteena advanced on
tiptoe and coughed gently as so far the gentleman had paid no
attention. However at the second cough he raised his eyes in a weary
fashion. do you want anything he asked in a most noble voice.

Mr Salteena got very flustered. Well I am seeking the Earl of Clincham
he began in a trembly voice are you by any chance him he added most
respectfully.

No not exacktly replied the other my name happens to be Edward
Procurio. I am half italian and I am the Groom of the Chambers.

[Pg 51]
What chambers asked Mr Salteena blinking his eyes.

These said Edward Procurio waving a thin arm.

Mr Salteena then noticed several red doors with names of people on
each one. Oh I see he said then perhaps you can tell me where the Earl
of Clincham is to be found.

At the end of the passage fourth door down said Procurio tritely of
course he may be out one never knows what they are up to.

I suppose