Waterford was about fifty miles from New York, and the journey consumed two hours. Dean was considerably interested in looking out of the window at the towns along the railroad. But besides this, he scanned the faces of the passengers around him.
Just behind him was a boy about his own age, who after a while leaned over and said, "Come back here and sit with me."
Dean was of a social disposition, and needed no second invitation.
His new acquaintance was a pleasant-looking boy of sixteen, with dark hair and dark eyes, and a bright, alert look.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"To New York."
"Do you expect to stay there?"
"No, I am going to work for a gentleman whom I am to find at French's Hotel."
"Yes, I know where that is."
"Do you? Then you have the advantage of me. I was never in New York since I was a very little boy."