While he was eating his stew the man began to converse with Ralph. He said his name was Jackson Walters, and that he had just come into the city from Toledo, Ohio.
"And I feel mighty strange," he added. "Do you know the city pretty well?"
"Not at all. I just got in myself," said Ralph.
"Indeed! Then we are in the same boat. Stopping with friends or at a hotel?"
"I am going to stop at a hotel over night."
This reply seemed to please Jackson Walters, and he drew up closer, hurrying to finish his stew at the same time.
"Good enough. Perhaps we can stop together. I feel rather lonely here," he said.
"I am afraid my hotel wouldn't be good enough for you," replied Ralph, honestly. "I didn't want to waste my money, and so chose a cheap place."
"Well, I want something cheap, too," said Jackson Walters. He was more pleased than ever over the idea that Ralph had money even if he did not care to spend it.
"Where is the hotel?"