It seemed strange to him that one who was so prominent as Cornelius claimed to be, and who had been living for years in the city, should have been overlooked by the compilers of the directory. He was not discouraged, however; he expected to encounter difficulties, and this was the first one.
He kept on his way, attracting some attention as he walked. The city Arab knows a stranger by instinct.
“Carry your bundle, mister?” asked a ragged urchin.
“No; thank you. I can carry it myself.”
“I won't charge you much. Take you to any hotel in the city.”
“I don't think I shall go to any hotel. I can't afford it. Can you show me a cheap boarding house?”
“Yes,” said the boy. “What'll you give?”
“Ten cents.”
“That ain't enough. It wouldn't keep me in cigars an hour.”
“Do you smoke?” asked Herbert, surprised.