“But it seems so selfish in me,” protested the stranger, “to step into your stateroom and take the best accommodations.”
“Not if I am willing,” responded Robert cheerfully. “So it is all settled.”
“How kind you are!” murmured the invalid. “Though we have met so recently, I cannot help feeling toward you as if you were my younger brother.”
Robert thanked him, but could hardly reciprocate the feeling. In truth, he had taken no fancy to the man whom he had accepted as roommate and was only influenced by compassion for his reported sickness.
They undressed and retired to their berths. As the stranger was about to step into his he said:
“It is only fair to tell you my name. I am called Mortimer Fairfax and I am a partner in a business firm in Baltimore. Are you in business?”
“Not exactly,” answered Robert, “though I am traveling on business just now.”
“I believe you didn’t mention your name,” said Fairfax.
“My name is Robert Coverdale.”
“An excellent name. I know a family in Philadelphia by that name. Are you sleepy?”