"Is nothing known of his history before he came here?"
"It is reported that he has been in jail. A man who saw him there said that he was quite confident he had seen him in a visit to Joliet prison."
"Is his life reputable? Has he ever been in any trouble since he came here?"
"Nothing has been proved against him, but more than one rough-looking man has been seen in his house."
"Decidedly, Scott," said the earl, "we have not been fortunate in our selection of a lodging house. However, it is only for one night."
"Have you much money with you?" asked their new acquaintance.
"A tolerably large sum," answered the earl.
"Then, I advise you to bolt your door when you retire."
"I shall do so. Without knowing anything of our worthy host, I had formed an unfavorable opinion of him before I spoke with you."
"He will bear watching," said the young man, briefly.