relief from the Cortlandts. Accordingly, he strolled into the
offices of the steamship company near by and asked leave to
telephone. But on calling up the Hotel Tivoli, he was told that
his friends were out; nor could he learn the probable hour of
their return. As he hung up the receiver he noticed that the
office was closing, and, seeing the agent about to quit the place,
addressed him:

"I'd like to ask a favor."

"What is it?"

"Will you introduce me to the best hotel in town? I have friends
in Panama City, but they're out and it's getting late."

"There isn't a good hotel here, but you don't need an
introduction; just walk in. They're not full."

"I'm broke, and I have no baggage."

"Don't you know anybody?"

"I know the American consul--been stopping at his house for a
week--but he threw me out."

A great light seemed suddenly to dawn upon the agent. "Oh, you're
Locke!" said he, with the air of one who detects a fraud too
obvious to be taken seriously. "Now I understand. The purser on
the Santa Cruz told me about you. Sorry I can't help you, but I'm
a salaried man."