It was the Commercial Hotel, located in a down-town street.
The Commercial Hotel, now passed away, or doing business under a changed name, was not a stylish inn.
It was rather dark and rather dingy, but Joe did not notice that particularly.

He had never seen a fine hotel, and this structure, being four stories in height above the offices, seemed to him rather imposing than otherwise.
He walked up to the desk, on which was spread out, wide open, the hotel register.

Rather a dissipated-looking clerk stood behind the counter, picking his teeth.
"Good morning, sir," said Joe politely.

"What do you charge to stay here ?" "A dollar a day," answered the clerk.
"Can you give me a room ?" "I guess so, my son.

Where is your trunk ?" "I haven't got any." "Haven't you got any baggage ?" "Here it is." The clerk looked rather superciliously at the small bundle.
"Then you'll have to pay in advance." "All right," said Joe.