Part 10 (1/2)
The attendant shot her a peculiar glance and gave an answer which was equally strange.
”It's not a dining room. I can't tell you what it is.”
”A c.o.c.ktail room perhaps?”
”Listen, I told you I don't know,” the boy answered.
”You work here, don't you?”
”Sure I do,” he said with emphasis. ”And I aim to keep my job for awhile.
If you want to know anything about the Green Room ask at the desk!”
CHAPTER 7 _THE GREEN DOOR_
Before Penny could ask another question, the signal board flashed a summons, and the attendant slammed shut the door of the elevator. He shot the cage up to the fifth floor and did not return.
Hesitating a moment, Penny wandered over to the desk.
”How does one go about obtaining a card for the Green Room?” she inquired casually.
”You're not a guest here?” questioned the clerk.
”No.”
”You'll have to talk with the manager. Oh, Mr. Fergus!”
Penny had not meant to have the matter go so far, but there was no retreating. The hotel manager came out of his office, and recognizing her, smiled ingratiatingly.
”Ah, good afternoon, Miss--” He groped for her name but Penny did not supply it. ”So you decided to pay us a visit after all.”
”This young lady asked about the Green Room,” said the clerk significantly.
Mr. Fergus bestowed a shrewd, appraising look upon Penny.
”Oh, yes,” he said to give himself more time, ”Oh, yes, I see. What was it you wished to know?”
”How does one obtain a card of admission?”
”It is very simple. That is, if you have the proper recommendations and bank credit.”
”Recommendations?” Penny asked blankly. ”Just what is the Green Room anyway?”
Ralph Fergus and the clerk exchanged a quick glance which was not lost upon the girl.
”I see you are not familiar with the little service which is offered hotel guests,” Mr. Fergus said suavely. ”I shall be most happy to explain it to you at some later time when I am not quite so busy.”
He bowed and went hurriedly back into the office.