Williamson followed him upstairs. For some minutes Hal sat with his chum in the hotel office.
Then Jack went over and talked with the night clerk for a few moments.
"There's a place near here, Hal, where a fellow can get an oyster fry," Benson explained, returning to his chum. "With that information came the discovery that I have an appetite."
"Come and join me?"
"No," gaped Hal. "I reckon I'll go up and turn in."
"I'll be along in half an hour, then."
Jack found the oyster house readily. As he entered the little, not over-clean place, he found himself the only customer. He gave his order, then picked up the local daily paper. As he ate, Jack found himself yawning. The drowsiness of Annapolis by night was coming upon him. Little did he dream how soon he was to discover that Annapolis, in some of its parts, can be lively enough.
As he paid his bill and stepped to the street, a young mulatto hurried up to him.
"Am Ah correct, sah, in supposin' yo' Cap'n Jack Benson?"
"That's my name," Jack admitted.