“I think that will suit me,” said Phil thoughtfully.
After leaving the car, a minute's walk brought them to a shabby three-story house of brick. There was a stable opposite, and a group of dirty children were playing in front of it.
“This is where I hang out,” said Signor Orlando cheerfully. “As the poet says, there is no place like home.”
If this had been true it was not much to be regretted, since the home in question was far from attractive.
Signor Orlando rang the bell, and a stout woman of German aspect answered the call.
“So you haf come back, Herr Orlando,” said this lady. “I hope you haf brought them two weeks' rent you owe me.”
“All in good time, Mrs. Schlessinger,” said Orlando. “But you see I have brought some one with me.”
“Is he your bruder now?” asked the lady.
“No, he is not, unfortunately for me. His name is——”
Orlando coughed.