In the afternoon of the second day Mark started by train for Claremont, and arrived at the Claremont Hotel in time for supper.
He found Claremont to be a fair sized town, containing perhaps four thousand inhabitants. It seemed to be growing rapidly, like most western towns favorably situated. After a comfortable supper he bethought himself of whom he could make inquiries as to the object of his journey.
As he sat in the office, a tall man, with long hair, and a look of speculation in his eyes accosted him.
"Have you just arrived in town, young man?"
"Yes, sir," answered Mark.
"Are you calculatin' to settle here?"
"No, sir; I am only here on a little business."
"Drummer, I reckon!"
"No, sir; I do not represent any business house."
"You do look rather young for a drummer, but you said you were travelin' on business."