ng. He went out before me but he might
have doubled," I gasped. "He had one of the beds--who is he?"

"I don't know him, sir."

"A round-bellied, fat-faced man--sold groceries and playing cards."

"There is no such guest in your room, sir. You have bed Number One, bed
Number Two is assigned to Mr. Bill Brady, who doubtless will be in soon.
Number Three is temporarily vacant."

"The man said he was about to catch the train east," I pursued
desperately. "A round-bellied, fat-faced man in pink striped shirt----"

"If he was to catch any train, that train has just pulled out."

"And who was in the bath, ten or fifteen minutes ago?"

"My wife, sir; and still there. She has to take her chances like everybody
else. No, sir; you've been done. You may find your clothes, but I doubt
it. You are next upon the bath list." And he became all business. "The
porter will carry up the water and notify you. You are allowed twenty
minutes. That is satisfactory?"

A bath, now!

"No, certainly not," I blurted. "I have no time nor inclination for a
bath, at present. And," I faltered, ashamed, "I'll have to ask you to
refund me the dollar and a half. I haven't a cent."

"Under the circumstances I can do that, although it is against our rules,"
he replied. "Here it is, sir. We wish to accommodate."

"And will you advance me twenty dollars, say, until I shall have procured
funds from the East?" I ventured.

A mask fell over his face. He slightly smiled.

"No, sir; I cannot. We never advance money."

"But I've got to have money, to tide me over, man," I pleaded. "This
dollar and a half will barely pay for a meal. I can give you
references----"

"From Colonel Sunderson, may I ask?" His voice was poised tentatively.

"No. I never saw the Colonel before. My references are Eastern. My
father----"

"As a gentleman the Colonel is O. K.," he smoothly interrupted. "I do not
question his integrity, nor your father's. But we never advance money. It
is against the policy of the house."

"Has my trunk come up yet?" I queried.

"Yes, sir. If you'd rather have it in your room----"

"In my room!" said I. "No! Else it might walk out the hall window, too.
You have it safe?"

"Perfectly, except in case of burglary or fire. It is out of the weather.
We're not responsible for theft or fire, you understand. Not in Benton."

"Good Lord!" I ejaculated, weak. "You have my trunk, you say? Very good.
Will you advance me twenty dollars and keep t