All of the boys were in need of new caps, and they became so interested in picking out the new headgear that soon Joe Brooks was practically forgotten.
But the Rover boys would have been tremendously interested had they seen the immediate future actions of the fellow who had so unceremoniously introduced himself to them. Walking only a few blocks, Brooks entered a telegraph office and wrote out the following message:
“John Carson,
“Alberg Hotel,
“Boston.
“Four boys and Uncle Tom to Chicago morning of thirtieth. Two days in Chicago, then on to Gold Hill Falls, Maporah. Not recognized.
“Joe Brooks.”
“There! I guess that will make Davenport get busy,” murmured the young man as he handed the message in. Then he paid for it and hurried again out into the Broadway crowd.
With their mothers and the girls gone, the boys found it rather lonely at the houses, and upon Fred’s suggestion they had the chauffeur take them down in the car to their fathers’ offices on Wall Street.
“I think I’m going to get into the game with dad some day,” remarked Jack, as they watched what was going on. “Financial dealings seem to suit me exactly.”
“I think I’d rather go into some profession,” said Fred. “Law, or something like that.”