"
"But it has reopened on a scale larger and grander than ever."
"Let's take in the Austrian Village," offered Ringold.
"Patiently! Patiently, Behemoth! We'll take 'em all in. However, I
wish to request one favor. If by any chance I should become
embroiled with a minion of the law, please, oh please, let me
finish him."
"Remember the last time," cautioned Anthony. "You've never come
home a winner."
"Enough! Away with painful memories! All in favor--"
"AYE!" yelled the diners, whereupon a stampede ensued that caused
the waiters in the main dining-room below to cease piling chairs
upon the tables and hastily weight their napkins with salt-
cellars.
But the crowd was not combative. They poured out upon the street
in the best possible humor, and even at the House of Seven
Turnings, as Higgins had dubbed the "hide-away" on Thirty-second
Street, they made no disturbance. On the contrary, it was
altogether too quiet for most of them, and they soon sought
another scene. But there were deserters en route to the Palace of
Ebony, and when in turn the joys of a full negro orchestra had
palled and a course was set for the Austrian Village, the number
of investigators had dwindled to a choice half-dozen.
These, however, were kindred spirits, veterans of many a midnight
escapade, composing a flying squadron of exactly the right
proportions for the utmost efficiency and mobility combined.
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