This room was now occupied by a dozen or more of this class, who left off their drinking and smoking as the strangers entered and shook the water from their dripping cloaks.
Mine host approached them with many smiles, asking what he could do for them, and at the same time assisting them to remove their wet garments.
“Give us a warm, private room, and something hot to eat and drink,” replied the younger of the two gentlemen, “and be quick about it too,” he added, “for we are almost perished with this cold, miserable storm.”
The speaker took off his hat as he spoke, revealing the handsome face of Ralph Moulton! While his companion proved to be Ralph Moulton the elder!
A man who was seated in the back part of the room, and rather in the shadow, started violently as the features of the new-comers were revealed; and he drew still farther into the shade, while he pulled up his coat collar, so that it half concealed his face; and then he sat in an attitude which showed that he was eagerly listening to catch every word that should be uttered.
In a few moments the host entered, saying their room was in readiness, and that supper would soon be served to them.
“A wet night!” he said, affably, while he lighted a candle.
“Yes, blast it!” replied Ralph, the younger, who constituted himself spokesman. “A mighty disagreeable night for any one to be out, especially if they have traveled as many miles as we have to-day.”
“Come to be here at the grand doings to-morrow?” asked the irrepressible keeper.
“Um—yes—partly. Please show us to our room now,” was the curt reply.