“Well, did I say anything about going to New York?” returned Hugh, carelessly.
“But you spoke of visiting the metropolis.”
“So I did.”
“There can be but one metropolis in a country.”
“True,” smiling.
“And that must be New York for this country.”
“And that is not New York for this country.” This with a decided emphasis. “I am going to take you to Chicago; to the metropolis of the United States; to the greatest city on earth.”
He noted the expression of wonder which came over the other’s face.
“And do you mean to tell me that Chicago is a greater city than New York? Chicago, an inland town, to compete with and excel New York, a sea-port city?” and Cobb shook his head as if he doubted the possibility of the truth of such an assertion. “Why, you have told me that New York has over four million inhabitants; has Chicago more than that number?”