"Give us a room together," he said to the clerk.
Luke did not altogether like this arrangement, but hardly felt
like objecting. He did not wish to hurt the feelings of J.
Madison Coleman, yet he considered that, having known him only
six hours, it was somewhat imprudent to allow such intimacy.
But he who hesitates is lost, and before Luke had made up his mind
whether to object or not, he was already part way upstairs--there
was no elevator--following the bellboy, who carried his luggage.
The room, which was on the fourth floor, was of good size,
and contained two beds. So far so good. After the ride he
wished to wash and put on clean clothes. Mr. Coleman did not
think this necessary, and saying to Luke that he would find him
downstairs, he left our hero alone.
"I wish I had a room alone," thought Luke. "I should like
it much better, but I don't want to offend Coleman. I've got
eighty dollars in my pocketbook, and though, of course, he is
all right, I don't want to take any risks."
On the door he read the regulations of the hotel. One item
attracted his attention. It was this:
"The proprietors wish distinctly to state that they will not
be responsible for money or valuables unless left with the clerk
to be deposited in the safe.
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