They took a long and leisurely walk together, talking over their mutual experiences. They had known each other for ten years, having been fellow boarders together as far back as that at Sing Sing, since then neither had been caught, though both had been engaged in violating the laws. Their similar professions had given them a common bond of sympathy, and they found so much satisfaction in each other's company that the time slipped by insensibly, and it was half-past twelve before they found their way back to the Clifton. Mr. Palmer stepped up to the desk. "Have you a room for me yet?" he inquired. "Yes, sir; I can give you No. 67. Here, front!" A hall boy answered the summons. "Take the gentleman up to 67," said the clerk. "Any luggage, sir?" "You may hand me my valise, if you please." "Beg pardon; here it is." "Come up with me, Wellington. We'll continue our talk up stairs." Palmer merely glanced at the valise, and continued talking with his friend. The hall boy unlocked the door of No. 67 and led the way inside. It was a pleasant room, and Palmer looked about him approvingly. "I shall be very comfortable here," he said. "Is everything right?" asked the hall boy, lingering. Palmer smiled, drew a quarter from his pocket and put it into the ready hand of the young man. "You take American coins, don't you?" he asked with a smile. "Oh, dear, yes, sir. Thank you!" "That is all for the present. If I want anything I will ring." Wellington scanned the valise with an eye of interest. "So that holds the swag, does it?" he asked. "My dear friend, don't use such vulgar terms!" said Palmer reproachfully. "It's not only inelegant, but it's imprudent. Suppose anybody heard you?" "Your reproof is just, Palmer. I am rather a blunderer, I admit. I see you are traveling under a false name." "What do you mean?" Wellington pointed to a small card attached to the valise. It bore the name of Edmund Lawrence. When Palmer's glance fell on this card, a quick glance of dismay swept over his face. "That isn't my valise!" he said. "Not your valise!" "No. The clerk has made a mistake. I must see him at once!" continued Palmer, in an agitated voice. "He may have given my valise to this man Lawrence, and in that case I am ruined. Stay here till I return." Palmer seized the satchel, opened the door, and descended to the office in breathless haste. As he dashed up to the desk the clerk eyed him in mild surprise. "What is the matter?" he asked. "Matter enough! You have given me the wrong valise." "Is it possible?" "See here; this belongs to a party named Lawrence--Edmund Lawrence. Give me mine at once." The clerk looked troubled. "I am afraid I can't," he faltered apologetically. "I gave Mr. Lawrence your valise--you will observe that they are very much alike--and he carried it away two hours since." Palmer felt ready to drop. To think that after all his careful planning everything should be jeopardized by a hotel clerk's error.