Chapter 17
The gymnasium itself was a source of immense surprise to both
Francis and Wilmore. It stretched along the entire top storey of a
long block of buildings, and was elaborately fitted with bathrooms,
a restaurant and a reading-room. The trapèzes, bars, and all the
usual appointments were of the best possible quality. The manager,
a powerful-looking man dressed with the precision of the prosperous
city magnate, came out of his office to greet them.
“What can I do for you, gentlemen?” he enquired.
“First of all,” Francis replied, “accept our heartiest
congratulations upon your wonderful gymnasium.”
The man bowed.
“It is the best appointed in the country, sir,” he said proudly.
“Absolutely no expense has been spared in fitting it up. Every one
of our appliances is of the
