“It is. Very likely they’d have charged you five at the end of the route. The city is full of sharpers.”
“Is it?” asked Tom, with interest.
“I regret to say it is. Are you a stranger in New York?”
“Yes, sir.”
“If I can be of any service to you—I am a merchant from Buffalo, to be here a few days on business—I will with pleasure. I have a nephew of your age.”
“Thank you,” said Tom. “Can you recommend a good hotel—not too dear?”
“Up town or down?”
“Down.”
“Suppose you go to French’s. It’s on the European system. You pay for your room so much a day, and extra for meals.”
“I’ll try it,” said Tom.