"Where's the hotel; that is, Crownheart's hotel?" asked the younger man of Roger, who just then was the only person at hand. "Right over there, sir," pointing to the single inn of which the village boasted, and which stood a little way up the hill, beyond the post-office. "Thanks, my boy," said the inquirer. Then to his companion, "This way, Mr. Dudley. It doesn't look very promising, to be sure, but then, you know, you never can tell by the looks of a toad how far it can jump. I guess we can stand it for a night or two, until we find out whether there is any truth in this report or not," and the two men started toward the Pine Tree Inn, as Abe Crownheart called his hotel. Roger stood looking at the strangers for a minute, wondering what their object might be in coming to Cardiff with their instrument and the valises, and he puzzled over the younger man's last words. Then dismissing the matter from his mind, he went in for the mail. When he found a letter for him from home, he was so delighted that he forgot all about the two new arrivals. Abe Crownheart was considerably surprised when Mr. Dudley and Mr. Ranquist, as the men introduced themselves, appeared at his hotel and asked for accommodations. "I suppose we can have a bed," suggested Mr. Dudley. "And something to eat, don't forget that," put in Mr. Ranquist. "That twelve-mile stage journey has given me a tremendous appetite." "Wa'al," began Mr. Crownheart, slowly, as if trying to think of something to say,--"wa'al, t' be honest 'ith ye, we don't hev much call fer lodgins fer man 'n' beast here. Cou'se I kin guv ye suthin' t' eat, but th' bed--um--d' ye mind both sleepin' in th' same room?" "We would prefer it, if there are separate beds," said Mr. Dudley. "I guess Mrs. Crownheart kin fix ye up then. Ye see we ain't very strong on sleepin' quarters, 'ceptin' fer our own family. Last time we hed boarders were quite a number a' years ago, in fact when th' Cardiff giant were first diskivered. I s'pose ye hearn tell a' thet," and he paused for an answer. Mr. Dudley nodded. "Yep," went on Abe, "th' figger were diskivered right acrost th' valley here, 'n' I boarded some a' th' men what were exhibitin' it. I recollect how--" "I dare say," broke in Mr. Dudley, shortly, "I have heard considerable about that giant fraud, and some future day I will be glad to discuss the various features of it with you, but now, my dear Mr. Crowhead--" "Crownheart, sir, that's my name,--Crownheart, not Crowhead," said Abe, a little nettled. "It's right on the sign." "Oh, yes, to be sure, Crownheart, I beg your pardon, exceedingly stupid of me. No offence, I assure you, my eyesight is not as good as it once was." "Least said soonest mended," answered Mr. Crownheart, smiling good-naturedly. "Thet giant--"