He reminded me that I should not forget how convenient I had found it to be confided in by the different landlords, and that I should not be too rough on them. I fully agreed with him; but I had experienced the truth of the fact that only a small percentage of men were ever able to pay such bills, after getting behind, even though they had a disposition to do so. Consequently, I determined to commence right, and try and keep right. That night, while the Doctor and several others were in the office, and while I was behind the counter, one of the young men came in from up town, having just visited the barber shop; and with his silk hat slightly tipped to one side of his head, and one kid glove on, stepped over near me, and after telling the latest story in his blandest and most fascinating manner, turned to me and said: "Landlord, how about cream biscuit for supper? I hear you have----" He was interrupted right then and there; for laying my hand gently on his shoulder, I said in a firm voice: "_You_ have got to pay in advance, sir." "What's up?" he asked, excitedly. "There is nothing up, sir," I answered, "but you have got to settle right off. The cream biscuit racket don't go, with me. Pay up, or you can't stay." He said he would pay up till the next day, which he did, and then went in to supper. [Illustration: THE DOCTOR A "STAR" BOARDER.] During this interview the Doctor had commenced to laugh, and almost danced the Highland Fling in his gleeful excitement, and attempt to leave the room. As soon as the door had closed on the young man, he returned, and laughed and hopped around in his characteristic manner, and said: "Why the cussed fool might have known that he couldn't have said a thing on earth that would have put you onto him as quick as to flatter the cream biscuit." In less than three minutes the other hus'ler came in, and rushed up to the wash-stand to make his toilet. The Doctor looked at him over his specs, with a broad grin on his countenance. After washing and combing his hair, he told a funny story, and said: "Put us down for a good room, landlord. You have a nice hotel, landlord. It's everything in knowing how to run a house." He then placed his hands behind him and backed up to the stove. I glanced over towards the Doctor, who by this time was in the farther corner of the office, with one hand over his mouth, and the other holding his hat and cane; and one foot in the air, ready to make a break for out of doors. I answered the young man by saying: "Yes, sir, it's everything in knowing how to run a hotel; and you have got to pay in advance if you stay here." "Well, I am surprised, landlord; but I supposed you were a good enough judge of character to know the difference between a gentleman and a dead beat." I assured him that I didn't doubt his honesty, but I was willing to wager that he hadn't money enough to pay one week in advance. And as it took money to keep things running and----