So it happened that while Mrs. Watson, Jennie, and Mr. Waterbury registered at the Burnet House, Tom, carpetbag in hand, walked through the streets till he came to a plain inn, bearing the name Alleghany House. It is not now in existence, having given way to an imposing business block.
"That looks as if it might suit my purse," thought Tom.
He walked in, and, approaching the desk, inquired: "How much do you charge at this hotel?"
"A dollar a day," answered the clerk. "Will you have a room?"
"Yes, sir."
"Please register your name." Tom did so.
"Cato," called the clerk—summoning a colored boy, about Tom's size—"take this young man to No. 18."
"All right, sar," said Cato, showing his ivories.
"When do you have dinner?" asked Tom.
"One o'clock."