Chester Rand Part 62

They stopped at Niagara Falls, but only for a few hours, and spent a day in Chicago. Then they were whirled onward to St. Paul and Minneapolis, and later on over the broad plains of North Dakota and through the mountains of Montana.

"I never thought the country was so large before," said Chester to Edward. "You have been over the ground once before."

"Yes; but part of it was during the night, It is pleasant to see it once more. Many of the places have grown considerably, though it is only two years since I came from Portland."

Chester made some agreeable acquaintances. An unsociable traveler misses many of the profitable results of his journey, besides finding time hang heavily on his hands.

Just after leaving Bismarck, in North Dakota, Chester's attention was called to an old man, whose white hair and wrinkled face indicated that he had pa.s.sed the age of seventy years.

The conductor came through the car, collecting tickets. The old man searched for his, and an expression of dismay overspread his face.

"I can't find my ticket," he said.

"That is unfortunate. Where did you come from?"

"From Buffalo."

"When did you last see your ticket?"

"I stopped over one night in Bismarck, and had to share my room with a young man, for the hotel was crowded. I think he must have picked my pocket of the ticket."

"Did you know the ticket was missing when you boarded the train?"

"No, sir. I did not think to look."

"Your case is unfortunate. How far are you going?"

"To Tacoma. I have a son there."

"I am afraid you will have to pay the fare from here. I have no discretion in the matter, and cannot allow you to ride without a ticket."

"Don't you believe my ticket was stolen?" asked the old man, in a state of nervous agitation.

"Yes, I believe it. I don't think a man of your age would deceive me.

But I cannot let you travel without paying for another."

"I haven't money enough," said the old man, piteously. "If you will wait till I reach Tacoma my son will give me money to pay you."

"I am not allowed to do that. I think you will have to get out at the next station."

The old man was much agitated.

"It is very hard," he sighed. "I--I don't know what to do."

Chester had listened to this conversation with great sympathy for the unfortunate traveler, on account of his age and apparent helplessness.

"How much is the fare to Tacoma from this point?" he asked.

"In the neighborhood of fifty dollars," answered the conductor.

"Will your son be able to pay this?" asked Chester.

"Oh, yes," answered the old man. "William has been doin' well. He is going to build a large hotel in Tacoma--he and another man."

"Then," said Chester, "I will advance you what money you need. You can give me a memorandum, so that I can collect it from your son."

"Heaven bless you, young man!" said the old man, fervently. "You are indeed a friend to me who am but a stranger. I am sure you will prosper."

"Thank you."

"What a fellow you are, Chester!" said Edward. "You will make yourself poor helping others."

"I shall sleep better for having aided the old man," answered Chester.

The rest of the journey was uneventful. The two boys went at once to Tacoma, as Chester felt that the gentlemen who were negotiating for his lots were probably in a hurry to arrange for the building of the hotel.

After establis.h.i.+ng themselves at a hotel and eating dinner, they went at once to the office of Dean & Downie, the real estate agents from whom Chester had received a letter.

Here a surprise awaited him.

Standing at a desk in the rear of the office was a figure that looked familiar. The man turned as the door opened to admit Chester, and the latter recognized to his great astonishment his old enemy--David Mullins!

CHAPTER x.x.xVII.

DAVID MULLINS AGAIN.

When David Mullins saw Chester enter the office he turned pale, and looked panic-stricken.

"You here!" he exclaimed, in a hollow voice.

"Yes, Mr. Mullins. I am surprised to meet you."

"Then you didn't know I was here?"

"I heard from Felix that you were in this part of the country."

"I am trying to earn an honest living," said Mullins, in agitation. "My employers know nothing to my prejudice. Do you come as a friend or an enemy?"

"Mr. Mullins, I haven't the least intention of harming you. I will not even appear to know you. I came here to see Dean & Downie, with whom I have business."

"Heaven be praised! I will not soon forget your kindness. Here comes Mr. Dean. Remember your promise."

At this moment Mr. Dean entered the office. David Mullins had returned to his desk.

"This young man wishes to see you, Mr. Dean," he said, formally, when his employer entered.