quietly, by a plank-road, reaching Fayetteville about twelve, of a fine, clear, frosty night.
Entering the office or bar-room of the stage-house, at which I had been advised to stay while in Fayetteville, I found it occupied by a group of old soakers, among whom was one of perhaps sixteen years of age. This lad, without removing the cigar which he had in his mouth, went to the bar, whither I followed him, and, without saying a word, placed an empty tumbler before me.
"I don't wish anything to drink," said I; "I am cold and tired, and I would like to go to a room. I intend to stay here some days, and I should be glad if you could give me a private room with a fire in it."
"Room with a fire in it?" he inquired, as he handed me the registry-book.
"Yes; and I will thank you to have it made immediately, and let my baggage be taken up."
He closed the book, after I had written my name, and returned to his seat at the stove, leaving me standing, and immediately engaged in conversation, without paying any attention to my request. I waited some time, during which a negro came into the room, and went out again. I then repeated my request, necessarily aloud, and in such a way as to be understood, not only by the boy, but by all the company. Immediately all conversation ceased, and every head was turned to look at me. The lad paused a moment, spit upon the stove, and then—
"Want a room to yourself?"
"Yes, if convenient."
No answer and no movement, all the company staring at me as if at a detected burglar.
"Perhaps you can't accommodate me?"
"Want a fire made in your room?"
