CHAPTER V.
AT THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL.
Joe had never been in New York and when he arrived the bustle and confusion at first bewildered him.
"Have a hack, young man ?" inquired a jehu.
"What'll you charge ?" "A dollar and a half, and half-a-dollar for your baggage." "This is all the baggage I have," said Joe, indicating a bundle tied in a red cotton handkerchief.
"Then, I'll only charge a dollar and a half," said the hackman.
"I'll walk," said Joe.

"I can't afford to pay a dollar and a half." "You can't walk; it's too far." "How far is it ?" "Ten miles, more or less," answered the hackman.
"Then I shall save fifteen cents a mile," said Joe, not much alarmed, for he did not believe the statement.
"If you lose your way, don't blame me." Joe made his way out of the crowd, and paused at the corner of the next street for reflection.

Finally he stopped at an apple and peanut stand, and, as a matter of policy, purchased an apple.
"I am from the country," he said, "and I want to find a cheap hotel.
Can you recommend one to me ?" "Yes," said the peanut merchant.

"I know of one where they charge a dollar a day." "Is that cheap?
What do they charge at the St.Nicholas ?" "Two dollars a day." "A day ?" asked Joe, in amazement.
It must be remembered that this was over fifty years ago.

Joe would have greater cause to be startled at the prices now asked at our fashionable hotels.
"Well, you can go to the cheap hotel." "Where is it ?" The requisite directions were given.