During this interview the Doctor had commenced to laugh, and almost danced the Highland Fling in his gleeful excitement, and attempt to leave the room. As soon as the door had closed on the young man, he returned, and laughed and hopped around in his characteristic manner, and said:
"Why the cussed fool might have known that he couldn't have said a thing on earth that would have put you onto him as quick as to flatter the cream biscuit."
In less than three minutes the other hus'ler came in, and rushed up to the wash-stand to make his toilet. The Doctor looked at him over his specs, with a broad grin on his countenance.
After washing and combing his hair, he told a funny story, and said:
"Put us down for a good room, landlord. You have a nice hotel, landlord. It's everything in knowing how to run a house."
He then placed his hands behind him and backed up to the stove.
I glanced over towards the Doctor, who by this time was in the farther corner of the office, with one hand over his mouth, and the other holding his hat and cane; and one foot in the air, ready to make a break for out of doors.
I answered the young man by saying:
"Yes, sir, it's everything in knowing how to run a hotel; and you have got to pay in advance if you stay here."