“How much will it be if I go in with somebody else?”
“I can put you in with two other gentlemen,” said the clerk, “for eight dollars a day.”
This was not so bad, but considering that our hero had but sixty dollars, it was still a formidable price.
“Is this the best hotel in San Francisco?” he asked.
“There’s more expensive ones,” said the clerk.
“I’ll stay here,” said Tom hastily, “for a day at least.”
“Just as you like, stranger.”
He led the way to an upper room, containing three small beds, and little else. Tom laid down his bag and looked about him, but forbore comment on the bare appearance of the room.
“When can I have supper?” he asked.
“In an hour.”