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