It was nearer an hour than half an hour before Coleman came back.
"I stayed away longer than I intended," he said. "I smoked
three cigars, instead of one, seeing you wasn't with me to keep
me company. I found some social fellows, and we had a chat."
Mr. Coleman absented himself once or twice more. Finally, the
train ran into the depot, and the conductor called out, "Chicago!"
"Come along, Luke!" said Coleman.
The two left the car in company. Coleman hailed a cab--gave
the order, Ottawa House--and in less than five minutes they
were rattling over the pavements toward their hotel.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE OTTAWA HOUSE
There was one little circumstance that led Luke to think
favorably of his new companion. As the hackman closed the
door of the carriage, Luke asked: "How much is the fare?"
"Fifty cents apiece, gentlemen," answered cabby.
Luke was about to put his hand into his pocket for the money,
when Coleman touching him on the arm, said: "Never mind,
Luke, I have the money," and before our hero could expostulate
he had thrust a dollar into the cab-driver's hand.
"All right, thanks," said the driver, and slammed to the door.
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