CHAPTER IX
NO MAN’S LAND.
Re-enforced again with food and supplies, the girls set out upon the road which by this time had become familiar. But they decided not to risk camping in the spot which had proved so unlucky; instead they preferred to avail themselves of the public grounds set aside for the purpose.
They continued to follow the Lincoln Highway until it was time to turn north to Chicago, for in this city they were to rest for a day or two and do a little shopping. Of all the party Marjorie alone was in favor of limiting their stay to one night; the majority however prevailed, and two of their eight surplus days were to be sacrificed. Daisy and Florence were both enthusiastic supporters of the proposition.
They arrived in Chicago late in the afternoon and drove immediately to their hotel, where they had arranged by telegram for rooms. Hardly had they settled themselves and their belongings before Florence was summoned to the telephone. She was gone nearly fifteen minutes; then she returned in high spirits to the group assembled in Marjorie’s room.
“We don’t need to ask who it was who wanted you!” teased Alice.
Florence blushed slightly. Then, turning to their chaperone:
“Mrs. Remington, do you think it would be all right for us to go to dinner with Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Cryton? You know they are taking us all to the theatre afterwards.”
“Why yes,” assented the older woman. “I don’t see any objection.”
Marjorie frowned imperceptibly; it was evidently to be a case of these two young men morning, noon, and night as long as they remained in Chicago.