"Yes, sir, very old and ancient."
"Got a good chef? I didn't think much of the supper last night—but still—the beds are comfortable enough—I am afraid you don't like animals?"
"Yes, sir, in their proper place."
"It's a pity," said Henry meditatively, "because you happen to be overrun by rats!"
"Sir, you must have made a mistake. Such a thing couldn't——"
"Well, I couldn't pass another night here without my dog," Henry interrupted. "But there are, I suppose, other hotels?"
"If it would be any comfort to you to have your dog with you, sir, do, by all means, but I assure you that he'll catch no rat here."
"I'll be on the safe side," said Henry calmly.
And so it was settled. That very night Fussie supped off, not rats, but terrapin and other delicacies in Henry's private sitting room.