[Gutenberg 48337] • Her Lord and Master

Did the ladies arrive, Mr. Stillwater?" inquired the clerk at the Waldorf Hotel, New York, as a tall, broad-shouldered man, unmistakably Western in appearance, walked smilingly up to the desk. "Bag and baggage, bless their hearts!" A dark, distinguished looking man, who was looking over the register, glanced at the speaker, then moved slightly to one side as the latter took up the pen. Stillwater registered in a quick, bold hand, and walked away. The dark gentleman turned again to the register and read: "Horatio Stillwater, Stillwater, Indiana." "Horatio Stillwater, Stillwater!" he remarked to the clerk with a cultured English accent. "A coincidence, I presume?" "Not at all," answered the clerk laughing. "That often happens out West. You see, Stillwater founded the town. He owned most of the land, besides the largest interests in wheat and oil. It's a great wheat and oil centre. Naturally the town is named after him." "Naturally," acquiesced the Englishman, staring blankly at the clerk. He lit a cigar and puffed it thoughtfully for about five minutes, then he exclaimed, "Extraordinary!