"Not by me, sir. Read that." And he called my attention to a placard that said, among other matters: "We are not responsible for property of any nature left by guests in their rooms." "Where's the chief of police?" I demanded. "You have officers here, I hope." "Yes, sir. The marshal is the chief of police, and he's the whole show. The provost guard from the post helps out when necessary. But you'll find the marshal at the mayor's office or else at the North Star gambling hall, three blocks up the street. I don't think he'll do you any good, though. He's not likely to bother with small matters, especially when he's dealing faro bank. He has an interest in the North Star. You'll never see your property again. Take my word for it." "I won't? Why not?" "You've played the gudgeon for somebody; that's all. Easiest thing in the world for a smart gentleman to slip into your room while you were absent, go through it, and make his getaway by the end of the hall, out over the kitchen roof. It's been done many a time." "A traveling salesman saw me dressing. He went out before me but he might have doubled," I gasped. "He had one of the beds--who is he?" "I don't know him, sir." "A round-bellied, fat-faced man--sold groceries and playing cards." "There is no such guest in your room, sir. You have bed Number One, bed Number Two is assigned to Mr. Bill Brady, who doubtless will be in soon. Number Three is temporarily vacant." "The man said he was about to catch the train east," I pursued desperately. "A round-bellied, fat-faced man in pink striped shirt----" "If he was to catch any train, that train has just pulled out." "And who was in the bath, ten or fifteen minutes ago?" "My wife, sir; and still there. She has to take her chances like everybody else. No, sir; you've been done. You may find your clothes, but I doubt it. You are next upon the bath list." And he became all business. "The porter will carry up the water and notify you. You are allowed twenty minutes. That is satisfactory?" A bath, now! "No, certainly not," I blurted. "I have no time nor inclination for a bath, at present. And," I faltered, ashamed, "I'll have to ask you to refund me the dollar and a half. I haven't a cent." "Under the circumstances I can do that, although it is against our rules," he replied. "Here it is, sir. We wish to accommodate." "And will you advance me twenty dollars, say, until I shall have procured funds from the East?" I ventured. A mask fell over his face. He slightly smiled. "No, sir; I cannot. We never advance money." "But I've got to have money, to tide me over, man," I pleaded. "This dollar and a half will barely pay for a meal. I can give you references----" "From Colonel Sunderson, may I ask?" His voice was poised tentatively. "No. I never saw the Colonel before. My references are Eastern. My father----"