West. We numbered
thirty-two in all: two babies--one a fine little fellow one year old,
and the other twenty-one years old, but, nevertheless, the greatest babe
in the company. Just before I reached Chicago, I was surprised to find
that my party numbered only about twenty, instead of thirty-two. I went
into the forward car. You may imagine my surprise to find my large babe,
W---- D----, playing upon a concertina, and M---- H----, alias M----
B----, footing it down as only a clog-dancer, and one well acquainted
with his business at that, could do, while eight or ten boys, and
perhaps as many brakes-men and baggage-men, stood looking on, evidently
greatly amused. It was plain to see that I was an unwelcome visitor.
Order was at once restored, and the boys went back and took their seats.
As we neared A----, a gentleman by the name of L---- came to me, and,
after making some inquiries, said: "I wish you would let me take that
boy," pointing to G---- A----, a little fellow about eight years old.
I told him we never allowed a child to go to a home from the train, as
we had a committee appointed in A----, to whom application must be made.
I promised, however, that I would keep the boy for him until Monday and
if he came, bringing satisfactory recommendations, he should have him.
He said if money was any inducement, he would give me twenty-five
dollars if I would let him have the boy. I said five thousand dollars
would not be an inducement without the recommendation. The little fellow
was really the most remarkable child I ever saw, so amiable and
intelligent, and yet so good-looking. When I reached A----, I had not
been out of the cars five minutes when a gentleman went to G----, and
placing his hand on his shoulder, said, "This is the little man I want."
I told him he had been engaged already. We passed through the crowd at
the depot, and finally reached the hotel. We had been there but a short
time when I had another application for G----. The first applicant came
up also, and asserted his claim; said that, if L---- did not come and
get the boy, he had the first right to him. L---- did not come, and I
had some difficulty to settle the matter between the two applicants.
Didn't know but I should have to resort to Solomon's plan, and divide
the boy, but determined to let him go to the best home.

"'Matters went off very pleasantly the first day. I found _good_ homes
for some ten or twelve boys; but, in the evening, I missed the