"I believe he is employed by a subscription house,"
he replied. "Doing hack work on an encyclopedia. A great collection of
freaks, aren't they, Captain Warren?"
"Kind of. But that old book-shop man and his wife seem nice folks. And,
as for freaks, the average boardin' house, city or country, seems
to draw 'em like flies. I guess most anybody would get queer if they
boarded all the time."
"Perhaps so. Or, if they weren't queer, they wouldn't board permanently
from choice. There are two or three good fellows who dine and breakfast
here. The food isn't bad, considering the price."
"No, it ain't. Tasted more like home than any meal I've had for a good
while. I'm afraid I never was cut out for swell livin'."
Mrs. Hepton approached them as they stood in the hall. She wished to
know if Mr. Pearson's friend was thinking of finding lodgings. Because
Mr. Saks--the artist's name--was giving up the second floor back in a
fortnight, and it was a very pleasant room. "We should be delighted to
add you to our little circle, Captain Warren."
Pearson told her that his companion was already lodged, and she said
good-by and left them. The captain smiled broadly.
"Everything in New York seems to be circles," he declared. "Well, Jim,
you come up and circulate with me, first chance you get.
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