“Not more than I am to know you,” replied the man from the West. “You are a stranger to this town, I should judge.”
“Yes, sir; I am from Chicago.”
“You interest me. I am bound for that city myself. I expect to take the afternoon train for St. Louis, to connect with the Panhandle road.”
“I intend to leave to-day for Chicago by the same route,” said Vance, pleased with the prospect of having so agreeable a companion.
“I am delighted to hear it, my dear fellow,” answered the westerner, in a tone which indicated his satisfaction. “We will go together, if you have no objection.”
“I shall be glad to have your society,” assented the boy.
“Good. I was wondering how I would relieve the monotony of the trip. You have settled the matter in the way I should have preferred.”
By this time they were several blocks from the scene of their thrilling adventure.
“Where are you stopping?” asked the big fellow.
“At the Planters’ House.”