"I don't think you ought to go without letting your folks know about it," said Dean. "Oh, they would oppose it, of course. They think I'm a baby, but I'm a year older than Daredevil Dick, the Young Hunter of the Rio Grande. I suppose you've read about him?" "No, I never heard of him." "I thought everybody had heard of him. I think I'm smart enough to do as much as he did." Dean learned that his young companion's name was Guy Gladstone, and that his father was born in England, but had come to America at an early age, and was a successful manufacturer. Guy would not tell him where his parents lived. As their train ran into the depot, Guy said, "I guess I'll go to French's with you and stay one night. I shan't remain in the city any longer for fear my friends will track me." CHAPTER XVI. DEAN TAKES MR. KIRBY BY SURPRISE. Dean found it to his advantage to have in his company one who was familiar with the city. Together he and Guy boarded a Fourth Avenue car and rode through Fourth Avenue into the Bowery, and later through Center Street. Guy pointed out prominent buildings as they rode along, among them the Cooper Institute and Tombs Prison. Dean's interest was strongly excited. "I should think you'd rather live here than go out West," he said. "I'm sick of civilization," answered Guy rather grandly. "Give me the wild untrammeled life of the plains." "But I don't see what it's going to lead to," objected Dean. "You can't make money out there." "I'm not after money; I want glory," answered Guy. "I prefer money," said Dean, "just at present." They reached French's hotel, and entered. This was some years since, before the temporary closing of this old established house for travelers. "You'd better go up to the register and see whether your friend has a room here," suggested Guy. Dean adopted the suggestion, and looking over the record found this entry: PETER KIRBY, Chicago. Room 197. "Yes, he's here," he said in a tone of relief. "Is Mr. Kirby at home?" he inquired. "I will send up and see," said the clerk. "Do you wish to go up at the same time?" "Yes, sir." "I'll wait down here," said Guy. "If Mr. Kirby doesn't expect you to room with him, we can take a room together." "Yes, I should like that." Dean followed the bell boy upstairs to one of the upper floors. He had never been in a large hotel before, and as saw door after door opening on the corridor he thought the hotel must be one of the largest buildings in New York. In this, of course, he was very much mistaken. "That's Mr. Kirby's room," said the bellboy, pointing to 197. "Shall I knock, or will you?" "I'll go in; he expects me," answered Dean; and, with a want of ceremony which was the result of his inexperience, he did not stop to knock, but opened the door.