RANCH LIFE. 251 



belonging to space-consumption, the steamer has been plow- 

 ing its way through the gloom of air and water towards its 

 destination. The passengers grow still sleepier and less 

 talkative. Finally the scattered lights of a city glimmer 

 through its mounting darkness, and at length, as the clang 

 of the midnight bell comes on our drowsy ears, the boat 

 strikes the wharf with a rebound, and feeling as only those 

 feel who enter a strange city at night's dark noon, you step 

 upon the wharf. And now the " runner " seizes his only 

 victim, and putting you in a sort of convict van, hurries you 

 off to his hotel. He introduces you to the smiling night- 

 clerk, and having bagged his game and got his commission, 

 you need expect no more attention from the gentlemanly 



