'Didn't you tell me this was a respectable hotel?
And ain't we payin' for respectability ?' "Peter admitted it, bein' too much set back to argue, I cal'late.
"'Yes!' rages Robinson.

'We pay enough for all the respectability in this state.

And yet, by the livin' Moses! I can't go out of my room to spoil my digestion with your cussed dried-apple pie, but what I'm robbed!' "'Robbed!' the three of us gurgles in chorus.
"'Yes, sir! Robbed! Robbed! ROBBED! What do you think I came here for?
And why do I stay here all this time?
'Cause I LIKE it?
'Cause I can't afford a better place?
No, sir! By the great horn spoon! I come here because I thought in this forsaken hole I could get lost and be safe.
And now--' "He tore around like a water spout, Grace trying to calm him, and Henry and Suzette, the maid, groanin' and sobbin' accompaniments in the corner.

I looked at the dresser.

There was silver-backed brushes and all sorts of expensive doodads spread out loose, and Miss Robinson's watch and a di'mond ring, and a few other knickknacks.