He began going to Philadelphia, where he boarded a northbound bus from the deep south. It's 100 miles from Philly to New York. Joe is a fast worker. Before the bus reached Newark, he had the names of all the likely squabs. O.K. So you're in New York now. If you came by plane, the airline limousine will transport you to the center of the city. Smart guys take a cab from the airport. It's faster, and it's as cheap or cheaper if two or more are riding. But if you arrived by train, you'll face your first major problem trying to get a cab at Grand Central or Pennsylvania Terminal. (INSIDE STUFF: New York cabs are permitted to carry no more than one party and no more than six passengers.) Your redcap will be of great assistance, but you must let him know in advance that you'll take care of him liberally if he puts you in a cab. (The railroad exacts a charge of 25 cents for each unit carried. The redcap doesn't get this. If you want him to get you a cab, promise him at least $1 for two bags.) You may stand for an hour at the regular station loading platform. In Grand Central, smarties duck upstairs to Vanderbilt Avenue. At Pennsylvania, they go to the unloading platform instead of the loading one, for the same reason. It is hoped you made your hotel reservation in advance, before leaving home, and got a wire confirming. New York has the worst housing shortage in history and no building program can overcome it before 1955. But if you are an optimist and didn't make arrangements, don't ask strangers in stations to recommend a hotel or rooming house. And never take a cab driver's advice. The Travelers' Aid Society maintains a desk at all terminals where such information is free. Or else step into a phone booth and call the Hotel Association of New York. Young people, especially girls, who do not know their way around, are especially invited to make use of the Travelers' Aid facilities. It's no disgrace, no confession of weakness. It's protection. The public supports it. Girls are warned not to talk to strangers who mosey up to them in stations. If you know what hotel you're bound for, do not allow the redcap or cab driver to steer you elsewhere. If the cabbie argues, call a cop, or tell the driver to take you to a police station. (INSIDE STUFF: Gotham's hack drivers are an honest, intelligent lot, carefully investigated by the police before being given licenses, and seldom involved in crime. A bad one slips in only now and then.) 29. ROOM WITH ADJOINING BLONDE There are "family" hotels in New York, where any woman is your wife. That just goes to show you the variety of accommodations in the Metropolis. But try to get a room. It is estimated that Gotham's hostelries can sleep 200,000 guests. But we have a million daily visitors. When the cab brings you to your hotel, try to look important. We realize that for many that's not easy.