The Adventures of Uncle Jeremiah and Family at the Great Fair | Page 4

you haven't got over seven dollars of that ten dollar
bill."
"It's a go," said Uncle as he thrust his hand into his pocket and drew out
a handfull of coins. He laid his hat between his knees and counted the
money into it. "Six dollars, six fifty, six seventy-five, seven, seven ten,
seven fifteen."
[Illustration: "UNCLE AND MR. MOSES WERE SOON BEHIND A
CLOUD OF SMOKE."]

"Ah, I've not got it all out of my pocket," and Uncle's hand dived
hastily into his trousers but came out empty. A look of consternation
came into his face as he looked at the laughing salesman.
"Well, by Jove! I don't often lose my bets, but here, Uncle, is the cigar,
for I've lost the bet. You have fifteen cents more than seven dollars. I
didn't watch that gent's counting as well as I thought," and Uncle
mechanically took the cigar he had so generously given to Mr. Moses a
few minutes before.
"It's worth it, Mr. Moses, it's worth it. I don't begrudge the fellow for
his two dollars and six bits. I feel like I ought to go in and thank him
for the lesson."
"Cigars, gentlemen, best Havanas. Here, old man, is the rest uv yer
change. The chappie back there wanted to kick, but he couldn't stand
me look. I don't 'low no working uv me customers dat way. You see I
wur next to him in a minute."
"Ah, my boy, nobody can talk to me any more about dishonorable
newsboys. You keep that money. I won't have a cent of it. I'm willin' to
pay fer my teaching. And here's a dollar more for you to go right back
there and supply my folks with whatever eating things you've got that
they want.
"You see, Mr. Moses, I know before I get through with them Arabs and
Esquimaux, and Indians and African savages at Chicago I'm going to
know a good deal more than I do now, and I never in my life got
something for nothing, and it's too late for me to begin now."
The first suburban station of the great World's Fair city was now passed
and Mr. Moses said he must return to his seat and get his grip ready for
leaving the train at the next station. He gave Uncle a card on which was
printed:
|------------------------------| | William Warner | | | | With The Clarendon
Company | | Wholesale Clothiers | |------------------------------|

As he did so, he said, "Now Uncle, remember never to give a chance to
pickpockets or confidence men, watch your change and take directions
only from those you know to be responsible officers; and if at any time
you need a friend, don't fail to call at the office of the firm and present
that card."
They returned to their seats and a frown came over Mr. Moses' face
when he saw the companion of the disreputable money changer glibly
talking to Aunt Sarah and Fanny. The young man bowed himself away
very gracefully and went to his seat as Uncle and Mr. Moses came up.
Uncle gave Mr. Moses a hearty hand shake and God bless you as he
started for the car door; but, to the astonishment of Mr. Moses Aunt
Sarah and Fanny looked scornfully at him and did not in any way
acknowledge his parting salute.
"Baggage, have your baggage checked?"
"Well, what a town Chicago is, anyhow. Here they've sent a man to
take care of our baggage. Now, I call that all-fired hospital. Get the
checks quick, Sarah."
"What hotel?" Inquired the agent.
"We're not overly pertiklar. I was talkin' some with a young fellow
back here who said he was a hotel agent; but I don't mind if I go where
you say. How high are your rates?"
"The Auditorium--as high as you want to go; the Northern, fourteen
stories, and the Palmer, out of sight."
"Well, Mister, we don't want to go out of sight, and we don't know how
high we do want to go so I guess you'd better make it fourteen stories."
The agent took the checks, gave him some tickets and passed on.
In a few minutes a uniformed young man came along and said:
"Mr. Jones, I'd like very much to book you for one of our down-town

hotels. Every convenience, gas, baths, heat, and all the modern
appliances; near car lines that land you right at the Exposition gates.
Best place in the city. Take you right there free of cost."
"But how high is it?"
"Only one dollar a day apiece and up as high as you want to go."
"Ah, that's it, young man. I see your mother taught you United States.
You see the baggage man said fourteen stories and I didn't