"He knows of you through me, and we both invite you."
Mrs. Conrad made no further opposition. She had found friends. Now she had something to live for.
By a strange coincidence, she and Oliver reached Chicago the same day.
CHAPTER XXXII.
MR. DENTON OF CHICAGO.
I N due time, Nicholas Bundy and Oliver arrived at Chicago. They took up their residence at a small hotel, and Mr. Bundy prepared to search for some trace of Rupert Jones. He couldn't find the name in the directory, but after diligent search ascertained that such a man had been in business in Chicago ten years before. Where he went or what became of him could not immediately be learned. Time was required, and it became necessary to prolong their stay in the city.
Mr. Bundy did not care to make acquaintances. With Oliver he was not lonely. But one evening, while sitting in the public room, a stranger entered into conversation with him.
"My dear sir," he said to Mr. Bundy, "I perceive that you smoke. Won't you oblige meby accepting one of my cigars? I flatter myself that you will find it superior to the one you are smoking."
If there was one thing that Nicholas Bundy enjoyed it was a good cigar.
"Thank you, sir," he said. "You are very obliging."