"Can't you read? This is first cabin. Steerage and second cabin on the other side of the hall."
Armitage gave the clerk a look that made the latter wish he had left the caller alone.
"Who asked you for any information?" he demanded, pretending wrath he did not feel.
"This is only first class," repeated the clerk peevishly, but not without feeling some respect to his interlocutor's massive shoulders.
"I don't care whether it's first class or tenth class," growled Armitage. "Let me see the plan of the Florida."
The clerk gasped as he laid the plan before him.
"The lowest in this ship is $150 a berth—two in a room," he said, in a tone as if he expected this would quickly settle the matter.
"Two in a room—not for mine," said Armitage jovially. "I want something comfortable. How's this?" he added, pointing to a berth.
"Single berth room—$400," said the clerk blandly.
"I'll take it," replied the new passenger. Peeling off four 100-dollar bills from the bank-roll, he threw them before the astonished clerk.