Halloran had not yet exhausted his resources in getting at the facts behind the corn deal. There was one person who probably could, if he would, carry the story further, and that was Jimmie McGinnis. And so Halloran decided to run down to Chicago.
The Captain, when he heard of it, came to see him. “Harry Crosman says you're going down to the city, Mr. Halloran.”
“Yes; I shall take the night train.”
“When I told Jennie about it she wondered if you'd be going anywhere near Lizzie's place.”
“I can, easily enough.”
“Jennie, you see, has been sort of looking for some word from her this week, and there ain't none come yet, and would you mind taking along a little bundle for Lizzie, and maybe a note?”
“Not a bit. You'll have them here before supper time, won't you?”
“Yes; surely.”
And so it fell out that Halloran boarded the train that night with the bundle under his arm.
His trip was to be as short as he could make it, for he did not like to be away at this time. Full instructions were left with his assistant; and his post as amateur fire marshal was assigned to the Captain during his absence.