"Wumble used to hang out in Denver. Going to meet him there, I suppose." "No, I'm going to meet him in Chicago, if I can." "I see." So the talk ran on until the meal was finished. Then the burly man bowed pleasantly and the two separated. When Tom rejoined his brothers Sam asked him about the man. "I'm sure I've seen him before," he said. "But where is more than I can say." "I think I've seen him, too," said Dick. "And I must say I don't much like his looks." When Tom told of the conversation that had been held, Dick shook his head seriously. "I wouldn't talk so much, Tom," he remarked. "It won't do any good, and it may do harm, you know." "I'll be more careful hereafter, Dick. I am sorry myself that I had so much to say," returned Tom. CHAPTER XVIII THE ROVER BOYS IN CHICAGO "Chicago! Change cars for St. Louis and the West!" The long express had rolled into the great depot and the porters were busy brushing up the passengers in the parlor cars and gathering together their baggage--and incidentally, the tips which were forthcoming. The Rover boys were soon out on the platform and making for the street. "Cab, sir; coupe?" "Mornin' papers! All de news! Have a paper, boss?" The crowd of newsboys and hackmen made Dick smile. "It's a good deal like New York, isn't it?" he observed. "Yes, indeed," replied Sam. "Where shall we go--to the Western Palace?" "We might as well. The sooner we find this Jack Wumble the better." At that moment the burly man who had talked to Tom in the dining car brushed up to them. "Good-morning, my young friend," he said to Tom. "Can I be of any assistance to you?" "It I don't know as you can," replied Tom coldly. "I guess we can find our way around." "Glad to help you if I can," went on the man. "We want to get to the Western Palace," put in Sam, before his brothers could stop him. "That is quite a distance from here." The man hesitated a moment. "I was going there myself. If you don't mind riding on a street car I'll show you the way." "A street car is good enough for us," returned Sam. He was anxious to see more of the stranger, for he wished if possible to recollect where he had seen the fellow before. A passing car was hailed and they all got on board, each carrying a valise, for the Rover boys had decided that trunks would be too cumbersome for the trip. They sat close together, and during the ride the stranger endeavored to make himself as agreeable as possible. "My name is Henry Bradner," he said, introducing himself. "Out in the mines they used to call me Lucky Harry, and a good many of my friends call me that still. May I ask your names?" "My name is Sam Rover," said the boy. "This is my brother Dick, and this my brother Tom." There were handshakings all around. "Glad to know you," said Bradner. "I hope you find Jack Wumble and that he locates your mine for you."