"Ah, then perhaps I can be of service to you. I know most of the best hotels, and I can introduce you to the managers of some of them. Do you intend to remain in the city long?" "I can't tell. I don't just know how long my father's business will keep me. Probably I shall be there several weeks." "Then I'll tell you what I'll do," said De Royster, in a friendly tone. "I'll get you fixed up at a good hotel, and then I'll show you the sights." "But how can you spare the time from your business?" asked Roy, who was beginning to think he had found a real friend in the rather eccentric person of Mortimer De Royster. "Oh, my work is nearly done now for the season. I shall not start out on the road again until fall, when I shall take goods for the spring trade. I was selling Christmas stock this trip." "Christmas stock, and it is only June," exclaimed Roy. "My, but they hustle things in the East!" "They have to. That's why I'll have some spare time now. I can show you various sights of interest, and, in turn, you must promise to protect me from robbers. I think I'll have to get a guardian if this keeps on," and the dude laughed at his joke. "I'll do my best," replied Roy. "If I see those fellows again, they'll not get off so easily." "Then we'll consider ourselves friends!" exclaimed De Royster, extending his hand, which Roy shook warmly. The boy was quite attracted to the young man, whom he began to like more and more, as he saw that, under his queer ways, he hid a heart of real worth and kindness. CHAPTER XI ROY STOPS A RUNAWAY With a companion who proved himself as interesting as did Mortimer De Royster, the time passed very quickly for Roy. Almost before he knew it the train was pulling into Chicago, where they changed cars. He wanted to stop off and view the stock yards, but there was not time for this. However he saw much of interest from the car windows, and De Royster pointed out various objects, explaining them as the express passed by. "We'll soon be in New York now," said the well-dressed youth, as the train passed beyond the confines of the "Windy City." "Is New York larger than Chicago?" asked Roy. "Larger? Well, I guess, and it beats it every way." "What's that you said, young man?" inquired an individual, seated back of Roy and his new friend. "I said New York was larger and better in every way than Chicago, don't you know," replied De Royster, looking at the man through his single eyeglass. "You must hail from New York then?" "I do." "I thought so. You don't know Chicago, or you wouldn't say that. Chicago has New York beaten any way you look at it." "Then I reckon you're from Chicago, stranger," put in Roy, who had the easy and familiar manners which life in the west breeds. "I am, and I don't believe I'm far wrong when I say you're from off a ranch." "I am," admitted Roy, wondering how the stranger had guessed so soon.