"I am staying at a hotel just now," explained his companion, "but I prefer a boarding-house as more home-like. Are you a stranger in the city?"
"Yes, sir."
"Where from?"
"From New York."
"I am from San Francisco. I have only been here a week."
They conversed upon indifferent topics till they reached Mrs. Shelby's.
"I will go up and take a look at your room first, if you don't mind. That will give me an idea of the accommodations."
"Very well, sir."
Bert led the way to his own room, and both entered.
"Very neat, on my word!" said the stranger. "Now I will allude to the little matter of business—and then you can introduce me to your landlady."