nced back and forth like a
caged animal.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XX.

ENGAGED TO MANAGE THE HOTEL--THE DOCTOR MY STAR BOARDER--DISCHARGING ALL
THE HELP--HIRING THEM OVER AGAIN--THE DOCTOR AS TABLE WAITER--THE
LANDLADY AND THE DOCTOR COLLIDE--THE ARRIVAL OF TWO HUS'LERS--HOW I
MANAGED THEM--THE LANDLADY GOES VISITING--I RE-MODELED THE HOUSE--MY
CHAMBERMAID ELOPES--HIRING A DUTCHMAN TO TAKE HER PLACE--DUTCHY IN
DISGUISE--I FOOLED THE DOCTOR--DUTCHY AND THE IRISH SHOEMAKER.

We held frequent consultations, and discussed the situation with a
feeling that our prospects were not the brightest. I again ventured to
suggest that I ought to get out and "hus'le," as winter would soon be
upon us, and my family would need money.

This threw him into a frenzy at once, and he reminded me that to leave
him there in that predicament would be a violation of faith and true
business principles. He seemed determined that we should live or die
together.

One day I said to him:

"Doctor, the old landlady ought to have some one to manage her business,
and----"

"Well," he quickly answered, "I'd make a devilish fine appearance trying
to run this dizzy old house, wouldn't I?"

"No, but why couldn't I run it, and you be my 'star' boarder?"

"Well, that'll do, that'll do; that's different, quite different."

"You know, Doctor," said I, "we are in debt for board, and whatever we
undertake must be done with much care and precision. Now, you go to the
old landlady and tell her I am a practical hotel man, and the most
trustworthy, energetic, economical and pushing sort of fellow you ever
knew; and that she ought to hire me to take full charge of the house."

This idea pleased him mightily, and he said he believed he could fix it,
and would try.

"Yes, I believe you can, if it can be done, for I know the old lady is a
little bit gone on you, any how. I remember of seeing you and her in the
up-stairs hall, the other day, talking in a way that showed pretty
plainly how things stand."

"Well there!" he screamed, "that's the latest. Now you'll have
something else to harp on, you young scapegrace, and without the
slightest foundation for it. Do you think I am a fool? Do you think I'd
recommend you to that old lady, when you are on the verge of
scandalizing both her and myself? Not much--not much, sir; and I'll sue
you for slander if you ever hint such a thing; and I'll get judgment,
too, and----"

"Yes," I interrupted, "and I s