But Johnny had formed a habit of looking through clothes to the man.
“This chap,” he told himself, “is no fop. Hate to meet him when he is full of fight. Don’t get those shoulders, that chest, that stride drinking pink tea, nor smoking through his nose. This chap’s a man. Hundred per cent. But why did he pick me up? Try to find out.”
“Used to live here in this city,” he volunteered. “Had a room with another boy in an old bat roost over beyond the Wells Street bridge.”
“I know the place,” the stranger replied. “Gone now. Tore it down. Putting up the biggest business building in the world there now.”
“They are?” Johnny was taken aback. This city of his was too fast for him.
“Sure are. Quite a building yours was, too. Don’t matter. Thing’s in the way. Down it comes. That’s the city for you.”
Again there was a period of silence.
“Get a car here.” The stranger stopped beside the curb. “One coming now. But where you going?”
“Hadn’t thought much about it. Lots of places in a city. One night, it don’t matter.”
“Come on down with me. Like to see that thing you say is a bow. Can’t do much with it, can you? Come along. Got an extra bunk. Not much. Good enough for one night, though. Just down here on Grand. Be there in ten minutes.”