The Ferris Wheel, from “Old Vienna” 238 A Glimpse of the Horticultural Dome 240 The Fisheries Building, from across the Lagoon 241 At a Drinking-fountain 242 A Little Visitor 243 The 194,000,000 Candle-power Search-light 245 In the Midway Plaisance 246 [Illustration: VIEW FROM THE FERRIS WHEEL.] [Illustration: THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.] HARRY AND PHILIP AT THE FAIR —————— CHAPTER I _Started by Cable_ — _The Journey by Sleeper_ — _Arrival in Chicago_ — _Finding Rooms_ — _The Fair at Last!_ [Illustration: HERE ARE THE TICKETS.] “Mr. Douglass wants to see you, Master Harry,” said the maid, coming to the door of the boys’ room. “What’s he found out now, I wonder?” said Harry to Philip, in a low tone. “I don’t remember anything I have done lately.” “He’s in a hurry, too,” said the girl, closing the door. Harry ran down to Mr. Douglass’s room on the first floor. The two boys were beginning their preparation for college, and were living in a suburb of New York city with their tutor, Mr. Douglass, a college graduate, and a man of about thirty-five. Harry’s father, Mr. Blake, was abroad on railroad business, and did not expect to return for some months. Philip was Harry’s cousin, but the two boys were very unlike in disposition—as will be seen. Their bringing up may have been responsible for some of the differences in traits and character, for Harry was a city boy, while his cousin was country-bred. When Harry knocked at the door of Mr. Douglass’s study, he knew by the tutor’s tone in inviting him in that the teacher had not called him simply for a trivial reprimand. It was certainly something serious; perhaps news from Harry’s father and mother. “Sit down, Harry,” said the tutor,—“and don’t be worried,” he added, seeing how solemn the boy looked. “I have had a message by cable from your father; but it’s good news, not bad. Read it.” He handed Harry the despatch. It read: Take Hal and Phil to Fair. My expense. Letter to Chicago. See Farwell about money and tickets. “Rather sudden, isn’t it?” said Mr. Douglass, smiling. [Illustration: THE FOUNDATION OF THE MANUFACTURES] “Yes,” said Harry, “but—immense! Don’t you think so?” “I’m glad to go,” the tutor said. “It seems to me that a visit to the Fair is worth more than all the studying here you boys could do in twice the time you’ll spend there; and it’s a lucky opportunity for me.” “Then you’ll go?” said Harry, to whom the news seemed a bit of fairy story come true, with the Atlantic cable for a magic wand. “Of course,” answered the tutor. “The only thing that surprises me is the quickness of your father’s decision.”