A thick-set man, collarless and coatless, who tilted back in his chair with his feet upon the window ledge, glanced up indifferently as they entered and crossed to the desk, and returned his gaze to the window, beyond which objects showed dimly in the gathering darkness. After a moment of awkward silence Patty addressed him. "Is the proprietor anywhere about?"
"I'm him," grunted the man, without looking around.
The girl's face flushed angrily. "I want a room and supper for two."
"Nawthin' doin'. Full up."
"Is there another hotel in this town?" she flashed angrily.
"No."
"Do you mean to say that there is no place where we can get accommodation for the night?"
"That's about the size of it."
"Can't we get anything to eat, either?" It was with difficulty Patty concealed her rage at the man's insolence. "If you knew how hungry we are—we've been driving since daylight with only a cold lunch for food." She did not add that the cold lunch had been so unappetizing she had not touched it.
"Supper's over a couple hours, an' the help's gone out."