"And buy cream biscuit," shouted the Doctor,---- ---- I had got to have my pay in advance. He then acknowledged that he was a little short, but would probably be able to pay the next day. I told him he could have his supper, lodging and breakfast, but nothing more. The next morning they both came to me and owned up that they were "broke." I then hired one of them for hostler and the other for clerk. About this time I succeeded in getting the landlady's consent to re-model a part of the house. She said she didn't care to be bothered with it, nor to remain there and listen to the noise; so she would go and visit her friends in Detroit, and leave me to fix things to suit myself. She said also she had all confidence in me, and felt certain I would do even better than she could. Before leaving, she instructed me to go ahead and get what I wanted, as her credit was good anywhere. By the time had fairly reached the depot to take the train, I had engaged several carpenters, painters, plasterers, bricklayers, and teams to do our hauling. I very soon had the old hotel in a condition suitable for business, by tearing down old partitions, building up new ones, papering and painting thoroughly, and adding a lot of new furniture and carpets. I had the whole outside of the old shell painted, a portion of which I ordered done in brick-color, and penciled. The latter part, the neighbors claimed, fooled the landlady so badly, when she returned a few weeks later, that she didn't know when she arrived home, and kept right on up street, making inquiries and looking for her hotel. How much truth there was in this statement I do not know, but I well remember the expression on her countenance when I answered her query of how much the whole thing would cost, by informing her that I didn't think it would amount to over fifteen hundred dollars. I remember how she fell back on the sofa in a sort of swoon, and when she recovered herself, faltered out that she was ruined forever. I very soon convinced her, however, that the improvements had greatly enhanced the value of her property; and she seemed to appreciate my services more than ever. During her absence of several weeks, the Doctor and I had some very interesting times. The day after her departure our chambermaid eloped with one of the boarders. I advertised for help immediately, but without success. About this time a young Teutonic fellow came along, and asked for something to eat. After giving him his dinner, I asked if he was looking for work. He said he was, and would work mighty cheap. I asked if he would like to be a chambermaid, and make up beds, and sweep. He exclaimed: "Oh, yah, yah; I youst so goot a shampermait as notting else." "Well then, Dutchy, I'll give you four dollars per week, provided I can find a coat and vest for you to wear, as yours is too rough-looking for that business."