The sound of a piano came from above and with a bold and friendly nod the young engineer mounted a pair of stairs.
"Tough joint," he muttered, falling into his old habit of communing with himself.

"Hope they make good tea." At the sound of his footsteps on the stair the playing of the piano ceased.

He was surprised at what greeted him above.

In startling contrast to the loathsome environment below he entered a luxuriously appointed room, heavily hung with oriental tapestries, and with half a dozen onyx tables partially concealed behind screens and gorgeously embroidered silk curtains.

At one of these he seated himself and signaled for service with the tiny bell near his hand.