"By the way, I'd better ask how far it is.

Don't ring.

I want to go up for some more cigars." He went up to his room, and in getting them from his bag, saw the little instrument case which he had thrown into his bag when he was changing.

Back came the vision of the strange girl with the beautiful face.
He slipped the wallet in his pocket, and when he reached the hall he turned to the open door of the little room which served as the landlord's office, or bar-room.
The landlord was enjoying a cigar and a glass of whiskey and water, and he opened the door still wider and gave a respectful smile of welcome.
"You have a very comfortable hotel here, Mr.Groves," said Stafford, by way of opening the conversation.

"We have had a capital dinner, and have enjoyed it tremendously; was that '72 port you gave us ?" "Yes, sir," replied Mr.Groves, much gratified.