"That's my idea," said the miner. Had the engineer sanctioned this, it would have been done without further delay, but he was a man of good judgment, and would not countenance such a proceeding. "No," he said, "secure them and take them on board the train." "Come here, boy," said the miner, beckoning to Tommy. "The passengers owe you something for exposing these infamous rascals. Who will chip in?" He took off his hat and dropped in a piece of money. Others followed suit, and the happy Tommy went away the richer by over thirty dollars. The two men were secured by a strong cord, and once again boarded the train as passengers, but under very unfavorable circumstances, and with gloomy forebodings as to the fate that was in store for them. As they neared Chicago the miner turned to Robert and asked: "Are you intending to go to a hotel, my lad?" Robert hesitated. "I don't think I can afford it," he said. "I have but little money, and I don't know how long I may have to wait for work." "Don't let that worry. I am going to the Palmer House, and will take you along with me." "Isn't it a high-priced hotel?" "Yes, but it will cost you nothing. You can stay with me two or three days while you are looking around for work." "You are very kind," said Robert gratefully, "but I am a stranger to you." "Not now. I feel as well acquainted with you as if I had known you for years. I have been poor myself, and it will go hard if Dick Marden can't take care of a boy who is looking out for a chance to make a living. Well, youngster, what do you say?" "I can only say that I accept your offer with gratitude, Mr. Marden." "That's all right. You may consider me your guardian for the time being." Twenty minutes more brought them to the Chicago station. The hackmen were on hand with their offers of transportation, but the miner declined. "I want to unfold myself," he said, "and I reckon I'll walk. My bag isn't heavy, for I don't carry round a dress suit. I suppose you're able to walk, Robert?" "Yes, I would prefer it." So, unheeding the hackmen, they started for the Palmer House, which was less than half a mile distant. When Robert came in sight of the hotel, he was impressed by the large size and handsome appearance of the structure. "I shouldn't dare to put up at such a hotel if I were alone," he said with a smile. "No, I reckon not. As it is, you are all right. Let us go in." They walked in to the office. "I want a room with two beds," said the miner, after registering his name. "All right, sir. Front!" A bell-boy came up at the summons. "Take this gentleman and his son to 297." The bell-boy took their bags and preceded them to the elevator. "Did you hear what the clerk said, Robert? He called you my son." "Yes, I heard him." "I haven't chick nor child, and have no right to have, as I never married, but if I did have a son, you would suit me as well as any boy I know." "Thank you, Mr. Marden; I consider that a compliment."