So thoroughly charmed was Barton that he lamented loud and long that he and his new acquaintance might not have their first view of the metropolis in company.

But he had promised his aged parents to come to them directly, by way of Albany.

However, he was a day ahead of his schedule; neither of them had seen Niagara; if Thompson would excuse him, he would write his father, that the letter would go on to herald the hour of his coming.

Then they both would take one day's lay-over at Buffalo, visiting the famous cataract entirely at his, Barton's, expense.

Thence, exchanging addresses, on their respective ways, to meet in Manhattan later.