he man's the gold for a' that!"

No incident worth recording befell Carl on his trip to Chicago. As a
salesman he met with excellent success, and surprised Mr. Jennings by
the size of his orders. He was led, on reaching Chicago, to register at
the Sherman House, on Clark Street, one of the most reliable among the
many houses for travelers offered by the great Western metropolis.

On the second day he made it a point to find out the store of John
French, hoping to acquire the information desired by Miss Norris.

It was a store of good size, and apparently well stocked. Feeling the
need of new footgear, Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes. He
was waited upon by a young clerk named Gray, with whom he struck up a
pleasant acquaintance.

"Do you live in Chicago?" asked Gray? sociably.

"No; I am from New York State. I am here on business."

"Staying at a hotel?"

"Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure this evening I shall be glad
to have you call on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to find the
time hang heavy on my hands."

"I shall be free at six o'clock."

"Then come to supper with me."

"Thank you, I shall be glad to do so," answered Gray, with alacrity.
Living as he did at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a supper at
a first-class hotel was very attractive. He was a pleasant-faced young
man of twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his country home in
Indiana, and found it hard to make both ends meet on a salary of nine
dollars a week. His habits were good, his manner was attractive and
won him popularity with customer's, and with patience he was likely to
succeed in the end.

"I wish I could live like this every day," he said, as he rose from a
luxurious supper. "At present my finances won't allow me to board at the
Sherman."

"Nor would mine," said Carl; "but I am allowed to spend money more
freely when I am traveling."

"Are you acquainted in New York?" asked Gray.

"I have little or no acquaintance in the city," answered Carl.

"I should be glad to get a position there."

"Are you not satisfied with your present place?"

"I am afraid I shall not long keep it."

"Why not? Do you think you are in any danger of being discharged?"

"It is not that. I am afraid Mr. French will be obliged to give up
business."

"Why?" asked Carl, with keen interest.

"I have reason to think he is embarrassed. I know that he has a good
many bills out, some of which have been running a lo