In Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City," the Columbian Guard's headquarters was bustling with lost children, filling each available seat. This scene highlights the chaos and emotional turmoil surrounding the events occurring at the time, reflecting a striking image of parental anxiety and concern as they sought their missing children.

The narrative indicates that out of the many children who were lost, nineteen of them managed to stay overnight at the headquarters. The following day, they were joyfully reunited with their parents, shedding light on the contrasting feelings of fear and relief that such situations provoke. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the human connections that were tested during this tumultuous period.