“I was wondering if I could be accommodated here for a few days,” began the historian, blandly. “You see——”
The clerk smiled affably. He also coughed apologetically. His thoughts ran like this: “Oh, no, my fine fellow, you can’t work any slick scheme on us.” Then he said:
“Very sorry, sir, our terms are strictly cash in advance, especially when luggage has been taken away. Of course I don’t doubt that you’re all right,” he added, in a tone which expressed all the doubt in the world.
“Oh!” exclaimed Dave.
“Yes,” said the clerk.
The historian remained thoughtful for a moment.
“Pardon me,” he said, quietly turning away.
“He looks like a pretty good sort,” mused the clerk, glancing at Dave’s retreating form. “Still, you never can tell; usually they’re the slickest kind.”
A few minutes later Dave reappeared.
“When Victor Collins comes in will you kindly give him this?” he said, handing the clerk a sealed envelope.