“Stop a minute,” said Tom; “what shall you charge for doing it?”
“Five dollars,” said the other coolly.
“Five dollars!” gasped Tom. “Five dollars to carry a carpet-bag? How far is the hotel?”
“About half a mile.”
“And you ask five dollars for that?” said Tom in amazement.
“Regular price,” said the other.
“I’ll do it for four,” said another man, coming up.
“Will you?” said the first in a menacing tone. “If you interfere with my business, I’ll blow your brains out.”
“Don’t quarrel, gentlemen,” said Tom hastily, for his two would-be guides had the air of men who would draw pistols on the least provocation. “I’ll carry my bag myself. I don’t dispute your price, but I can’t afford to pay it. I am poor, and I have my fortune to make.”
“All right, stranger,” said the first. “I thought you were rich. Just go straight ahead for about a quarter of a mile, and then turn to the right, and you’ll find a cheap house. I don’t charge anything for the advice.”