"Glad to help you if I can," went on the man.
"We want to get to the Western Palace," put in Sam, before his brothers could stop him.
"That is quite a distance from here." The man hesitated a moment. "I was going there myself. If you don't mind riding on a street car I'll show you the way."
"A street car is good enough for us," returned Sam. He was anxious to see more of the stranger, for he wished if possible to recollect where he had seen the fellow before.
A passing car was hailed and they all got on board, each carrying a valise, for the Rover boys had decided that trunks would be too cumbersome for the trip. They sat close together, and during the ride the stranger endeavored to make himself as agreeable as possible.
"My name is Henry Bradner," he said, introducing himself. "Out in the mines they used to call me Lucky Harry, and a good many of my friends call me that still. May I ask your names?"
"My name is Sam Rover," said the boy. "This is my brother Dick, and this my brother Tom."
There were handshakings all around. "Glad to know you," said Bradner. "I hope you find Jack Wumble and that he locates your mine for you."
"I've been thinking that I've seen you before," said Sam bluntly.
"But for the life of me I can't place you."
"Perhaps we've met somewhere in the East—New York, for instance.
Have any of you been in Chicago before?"