'For how long?' he asked.
The landlord shrugged his shoulders like the driver. 'Am I the All-knowing?'
He wore a black velvet cap, but not with the apex that would have professed piety. Its square cut indicated to the younger generation that he was a man of the world, in touch with the times; to the old its material and hue afforded sufficient guarantee of ritual orthodoxy. He was a true host, the friend of all who eat and drink.
'But how many rooms have you?' inquired David.
'And how many shall I have but one?' protested the landlord.
'Only one room!' David turned upon the driver. 'And you said this was the best inn! I suppose it's your brother-in-law's.'
'And what do I make out of it, if it is?' answered the driver. 'You see he can't take you.'
'Then why did you bring me?'
'Because there is no room anywhere else either.'
'What!' David stared.