CHAPTER XXVIII.
MARK AT OMAHA.
Some days later Mark found himself at Omaha. Here he was to transfer himself to the Union Pacific Railroad; at that time the only Pacific road built with the exception of the Central Pacific, which formed with it a continuous line to San Francisco. Mark decided to remain in Omaha for a single day and then take the train for his destination.
At the hotel Mark found himself sitting next to a man with bronzed face and rough attire who embodied his ideas of a miner. The stranger during the meal devoted himself strictly to business, but going out of the dining-room at the same time with Mark he grew sociable.
"Well, young pard.," he said, "what's your trail?"
Mark looked puzzled.
"I mean which way are you going—East or West?"
"I am going to San Francisco."
"Ever been there before?"