Those who possess energy and a strong will generally gain their point, and it was so with Richard Hunter. They entered the hotel, and, ascending some stone steps, found themselves on the main floor, where the reading-room, clerk's office, and dining-room are located.
Dick, to adopt the familiar name by which his companion addressed him, stepped up to the desk, and drew towards him the book of arrivals. After a brief search he found the name of "Hiram Bates, Milwaukie, Wis.," towards the top of the left-hand page.
"Is Mr. Bates in?" he inquired of the clerk, pointing to the name.
"I will send and inquire, if you will write your name on this card."
Dick thought it would be best to send his own name, as that of Fosdick might lead Mr. Bates to guess the business on which they had come.
He accordingly wrote the name,
in his handsomest handwriting, and handed it to the clerk.
That functionary touched a bell. The summons was answered by a servant.