Hour after hour sped by, until with a little thrill of excitement Walter learned by consulting his railroad guide that he was within fifty miles of Chicago. He looked out of the car window, and surveyed with interest the country through which they were speeding at the rate of thirty-five miles an hour. His attention was drawn² from the panorama³ outside by a voice:

“Is this seat engaged?”

Walter looked up, and his glance rested on a man of perhaps thirty-five, dressed in a light suit, and wearing a tall white hat.

“No, sir,” answered Walter politely, removing his gripsack from the seat.

“I don't want to incommode you,” said the stranger, as he took the place thus vacated.

“You don't in the least,” said Walter.

“I suppose you are going to Chicago?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Are you going farther—out to Dakota, for instance?”

“No, sir. Chicago is far enough west for me at present.”

“I live in Dakota. I have a long journey to make after we reach Chicago.”

“I don't know about Dakota. Is it a good place for business?”

“It is going to be. Yes, Dakota has a bright future. I have a pleasant little home out there. I had to go East on business, and stayed a little longer than I intended. In fact I spent more money than I anticipated, and that makes me a little short.”

It struck Walter that his new acquaintance for a stranger was very confidential⁴.

“Is it possible he will propose to borrow money of me?” he asked himself. He did not quite know what to say, but politeness required him to say something.

“I am sorry,” he replied, in a sympathizing tone.

“I should like to take a train this evening for my home,” continued the stranger.

“I hope you will be able to do so.”

“Well, there's one drawback. I haven't got money enough to buy a through ticket. Under these circumstances I am going to offer you a bargain.”

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