This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

CHAPTER XXI.


FRANKLIN BELL'S MISSION.


"Chicago! All out!"

With a rumble and a roar, the long train from New York ran into the large depot, and came slowly to a stop. Already, the numerous passengers were on their feet, and now they crowded to the platforms.

Among the number was Franklin Bell. The bustle and confusion about the place, at once reminded him of New York City. There were the cab drivers and the baggage men, all on the lookout for business, and out on the street were the newsboys and gutter merchants, crying their wares, and doing what they could to make sales.

Franklin had been advised by Belden Brice, to secure board at some private house, and now he started out with his satchel in his hand, leaving his trunk on check at the depot.

"Paper, sir?" cried a newsboy. "News, Herald, Times, Inter-Ocean!"

"I'll take a paper," returned Franklin.

He at once turned to the advertisments he wished