to be very careful." And,
calling to one of his clerks, he gave him instructions for making out
the pass to Fairfax, after having learned from Bob that that was the
destination to which he wished to go.

"You'd better sit down," said the official, "because it will take a few
minutes to get it ready."

Bob was not thinking of himself, however. The idea troubled him of the
porter's being discharged on his account, and after a few moments'
deliberation, he called to the man who had given the instructions for
the writing of his pass, and asked:

"Do you think if I should write a note to Mr. Perkins, that he would
change his mind about discharging this man? I don't like to think he
should have got into trouble on my account. You see, I don't know much
about travelling, and I didn't know a parlor car from a chair car."

Surprised at this consideration for a fellow in a boy so young, the
official smiled as he replied:

"I shouldn't be surprised if Mr. Perkins would think about it, if you
asked him. He seems to have taken a great fancy to you."

"Then if you will give me a piece of paper, I will write to him."

And when the writing material was provided, Bob, in his crude, boyish
hand, wrote:

"MR. PERKINS: You have been very kind to me, but I
am sorry you discharged the porter. I wish you
would take him back. Please, Mr. Perkins. From
your friend, BOB CHESTER."

In open-mouthed wonder, the porter listened to the conversation between
Bob and the official of the railway, and when the note had been written,
and was read aloud by the latter, the darky exclaimed:

"Mistah Bob, you sho'ly am kind. Ah'll take that note and go to see
Mistah Perkins mahself, and now if you-all would like to see Chicago a
little before you take your train, Ah'll surely be most glad to take you
'round."

CHAPTER XI

BOB FAILS TO FIND MRS. CAMERON

For a moment after the porter's offer to act as his guide in seeing
Chicago, Bob thought he would accept it, and accordingly they left the
office together, the pass having been made out and delivered to the boy.

When they appeared upon the street, however, the passersby stopped and
stared at the curious pair--Bob, in his worn, ill-fitting suit, and the
darky, very black, clad in the latest fashion--with amazement.

One woman, whose hair was tinged with gray, and whose aquiline features,
severe clothes and general mien bespoke the spinster who a