When about thirty miles from Detroit, having as a seatmate a very large man, who compressed him within uncomfortable limits, he took his satchel², and passing into the car next forward, took a seat a few feet from the door. He had scarcely seated himself when, looking around, he discovered, in the second seat beyond, his old Chicago acquaintance, Mr. J. Madison Coleman. He was as smooth and affable as ever, and was chatting pleasantly with a rough, farmerlike-looking man, who seemed very much taken with his attractive companion.

 

"I wonder what mischief³ Coleman is up to now?" thought Luke.

 

He was so near that he was able to hear the conversation that passed between them.

 

"Yes, my friend," said Mr. Coleman, "I am well acquainted with Detroit. Business has called me there very often, and it will give me great pleasure to be of service to you in any way."

 

"What business are you in?" inquired the other.

 

"I am traveling for H. B. Claflin & Co., of New York. Of course you have heard of them. They are the largest wholesale⁴ dry-goods firm in the United States."

 

"You don't say so!" returned the farmer respectfully. "Do you get pretty good pay?"

 

"I am not at liberty to tell just what pay I get," said Mr. Coleman, "but I am willing to admit that it is over four thousand dollars."

 

"You don't say so!" ejaculated the farmer. "My! I think myself pretty lucky when I make a thousand dollars a year."

 

"Oh, well, my dear sir, your expenses are very light compared to mine. I spend about ten dollars a day on an average."

 

"Jehu!" ejaculated the farmer. "Well, that is a pile. Do all the men that travel for your firm get as much salary as you?"

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