"I wish Linton Tomkins were with me," he reflected. "What a jolly time we would have!"
But Linton didn't even know what had become of his friend. Luke's absence was an occasion for wonder at Groveton, and many questions were asked of his mother.
"He was sent for by Mr. Reed," answered the widow. "He is at work for him."
"Mr. Reed is in New York, isn't he?"
"Yes."
It was concluded, therefore, that Luke was in New York, and one or two persons proposed to call upon him there, but his mother professed ignorance of his exact residence. She knew that he was traveling, but even she was kept in the dark as to where he was, nor did she know that Mr. Armstrong, and not Mr. Reed, was his employer.
Some half dozen hours before reaching Chicago, a young man of twenty-five, or thereabouts, sauntered along the aisle, and sat down in the vacant seat beside Luke.
"Nice day," he said, affably.
"Very nice," responded Luke.
"I suppose you are bound to Chicago?"