LETTER
XL FACE TO FACE WITH THE ENEMY
XLI MR. BROWNING COMES TO TERMS
XLII CONCLUSION

LUKE WALTON

CHAPTER I

A CHICAGO NEWSBOY

"_News_ and _Mail_, one cent each!"

Half a dozen Chicago newsboys, varying in age from ten to sixteen
years, with piles of papers in their hands, joined in the chorus.

They were standing in front and at the sides of the Sherman House, on
the corner of Clark and Randolph Streets, one of the noted buildings
in the Lake City. On the opposite side of Randolph Street stands a
gloomy stone structure, the Court House and City Hall. In the shadow
of these buildings, at the corner, Luke Walton, one of the largest
newsboys, had posted himself. There was something about his bearing
and appearance which distinguished him in a noticeable way from his
companions.

To begin with, he looked out of place. He was well grown, with a
frank, handsome face, and was better dressed than the average newsboy.
That was one reason, perhaps, why he preferred to be by himself,
rather than to engage in the scramble for customers which was the
habit of the boys around him.

It was half-past five. The numerous cars that passed were full of
business men, clerks, and boys, returning to their homes after a busy
day.

Luke had but two papers left, but these two for some unaccountable
reason remained on his hands an unusual length of time. But at length
a comfortable-looking gentleman of middle age, coming from the
direction of La Salle Street, paused and said, "You may give me a
_News_, my boy."

"Here you are, sir," he said, briskly.

The gentleman took the paper, and thrusting his hand into his pocket,
began to feel for a penny, but apparently without success.

"I declare," he said, smiling, "I believe I am penniless. I have
nothing but a five-dollar bill."

"Never mind, sir! Take the paper and pay me to morrow."

"But I may not see you."

"I am generally here about this time."

"And if I shouldn't see you, you will lose the penny."

"I will risk it, sir," said Luke, smiling.

"You appear to have confidence in me."

"Yes, sir."

"Then it is only fair that I should have confidence in you."

Luke looked puzzled, for he didn't quite understand what was in the
gentleman's mind.

"I will take both of your papers. Here is a five-dollar bill. You may
bring me the change to-morrow, at my office, No. 155 La Salle Street.
My name is Benjamin Afton."

"But, sir," objected Luk