"I can bring you to justice."
"Bah! I suppose you think you can do wonders by going to Chicago."
"How do you know I am going to Chicago?" I questioned quickly.
Stumpy's face fell, as he realized the slip he had made.
"Never mind. But you won't gain anything," he went on. "Better stay home and save your money."
And to avoid further talk he pushed his way through the crowd and was lost to sight.
A moment later I joined the others in the carriage. While driving home I related the conversation recorded above.
"It's too bad he found out you were going to Chicago," said my uncle. "He may try to stop you."
"I'll keep my eyes open," I replied.
The remainder of the day was spent in active work around the widow's place. Not only did I labor all the afternoon, but far into the evening as well, to show that I did not intend to shirk my duty even though I was going away. Besides, Mrs. Canby had treated me so well that I was almost willing to work my fingers to the bone to serve her.