AN AVIATOR STORY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 185, 15 November 1910, Page 6

AN AVIATOR STORY

A hotel-keeper at one of the now numerous aviation stations not far from Paris is wondering what became of an aviator who had been his guest, and who seems to have taken to flight just when the critical moment arrived for paying his hotel bill. The aviator in question had an ugly fall while making a flight. He was conveyed to the best hotel in the neighbourhood. The report went, according to the Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, that he had his leg broken. The hotel-keeper, whilst (sorry for the aviator, was nevertheless proud of the distinction of havin°- a real flying man under his roof, and probably for a long time, too. The best room was given to the customer who had thus fallen from the sky just, in the nick of time to attract other customers. The best bed, in which kings and emperors are supposed to have slept, was given to him, and the little hotel was in a fever of excitement. The doctor, however, diagnosed only a fracture of the shin. Still, it would require some weeks to lieal, during which the patient had to keep to his bed. The hotel-keeper did all in his power to make his customei happy during that time. The aviator accepted his attentions gracefully, ate and drank to his heart's .content — in fact he developed a most remarkable appetite, and the whole kitchen staff was kept busy supplying him with copious meals and unheard-of dainties. The best wine, too, was brought up from the cellar, and the hotel proprietor himself sometimes served his customer. All this time there was not a word about the bill. This would be settled when the aviator was restored to perfect health. A day came when the cure seemed complete, and this time the hotel proprietor personally carried to the room of his guest a tasty dish fresh from the kitchen. He was proud of his cook's achievements, and expected no ordinary compliments. But when he opemed the door he was ready to drop himself, ana he did drop the dish and smashed the plate into the bargain. "How on earth has he escaped?" was the frequent exclamation of the proprietor, after the whole hotel was searched. The aviator was gone, and there was no other indication except that the window was open. It was suggested that the- aviator had taken to flight, and the open window was there to prove it. He had certainly not 2one out by the door.