His companion was so much like him that Joe came to the conclusion that he was his brother.
One was talkative, and the other taciturn, and Jim Morgan (for such was the eldest brother’s name) gave all the orders and superintended all the arrangements. He was evidently commander-in-chief.
The eldest might have been twenty-five, the youngest some three or four years younger.
“In or out, gentlemen,” said the landlord, as he eyed the two with something like doubt and suspicion.
“Why what do you suppose we come here for?” returned Jim Morgan.
“It aint my bis’ness to ’spose anything,” said the landlord. “I only ask a question, which perhaps you will answer at your leisure.”
At this sally there was a roar of laughter from the company.
“You’re mighty clever in your way, no doubt,” cried Morgan, “and in course you are duly appreciated. Your question I will answer at once. We want two separate beds, or the largest-sized double bed which you have to spare.”
“Right you are,” returned the landlord; “we won’t make any bones about the matter. No. 9, first floor, two beds in the room, that will suit you all to pieces. If it don’t you can accommodate yourselves elsewhere, or out, if you prefer it.”
“You’re jolly independent, but no matter, it’s the nature of the animal,” said Morgan.