"Boston," cried the clerk.
They stared at him. "You were all ready," said Hemming.
"Yes, sir," he replied, "for I've been thinking it over for some time."
"Why the devil didn't you ask him?" inquired O'Rourke, fretfully.
"Lookee here, colonel," said the hotel man, "if you know Mr. Hudson, you know darn well why I didn't ask him where he came from."
"High and haughty?" queried O'Rourke.
The clerk nodded.
"You had better reconsider your course, old chap," laughed the Englishman.
His friend did not reply. He was again intent on the register.
"I make seven letters in it," he said, "and I'll swear to that for an N."