I thought I’d better leave word with the station-master where I’d gone, in case any one turned up; and then there was nothing for it but to take a cab across to the hotel.
The kid was no end festive to have a ride in the cab. It would have been in a little better taste if he’d held his tongue, and shown a little regret for the jolly mess he’d let me into. But, bless you, he didn’t care two straws.
“What will daddy say when he can’t find you?” I said, trying to get him to look at things seriously.
“Daddy will say, ‘Who’s been sitting in my chair, and broken the bottom out?’” said he, still harping on those blessed bears. I gave him up after that, and let him jaw on.
When we got to the hotel I was in another fix. The chap in charge said he’d got instructions about one young gentleman, but not two.
“Oh, I’m looking after this boy,” said I, “till tomorrow: I’ll have him in my room.”
The chap looked as if he didn’t like it. And, of course, just when he was thinking it over, the young cad must go and cheek him.
“What makes that ugly man so red on his nose?” he asks at the top of his voice, for every one to hear.
The chap was no end riled at that, and looked as if he’d kick us out. When he’d cooled down he said—
“You wait here; I’ll attend to you presently.”