k, with an answering smile.

Carl entered the office and saw Mr. Norris, a man of middle age,
partially bald, with a genial, business-like manner.

"Well, young man?" he said, looking at Carl inquiringly.

"You must excuse me for troubling you, sir," said Carl, who was afraid
Mr. Norris would laugh at him, "but I thought you might direct me to
Rachel Norris."

Mr. Norris looked surprised.

"What do you want of Rachel Norris?" he asked, abruptly.

"I have a little business with her," answered Carl.

"Of what nature?"

"Excuse me, but I don't care to mention it at present."

"Humph! you are very cautious for a young man, or rather boy."

"Isn't that a good trait, sir?"

"Good, but unusual. Are you a schoolboy?"

"No, sir; I am a drummer."

Mr. Norris put on a pair of glasses and scrutinized Carl more closely.

"I should like to see--just out of curiosity--the man that you travel
for," he said.

"I will ask him to call whenever he visits Albany. There is his card."

Mr. Norris took it.

"Why, bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "It is Henry Jennings, an old
schoolmate of mine."

"And a good business man, even if he has sent out such a young drummer."

"I should say so. There must be something in you, or he wouldn't have
trusted you. How is Jennings?"

"He is well, sir--well and prosperous."

"That is good news. Are you in his employ?"

"Yes, sir. This is the first time I have traveled for him."

"How far are you going?"

"As far as Chicago."

"I don't see what you can have to do with Rachel Norris. However, I
don't mind telling you that she is my aunt, and--well, upon my soul!
Here she is now."

And he ran hastily to greet a tall, thin lady, wearing a black shawl,
who at that moment entered the office.

CHAPTER XXX.

AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN.

Miss Norris dropped into a chair as if she were fatigued.

"Well, Aunt Rachel, how are you feeling this morning?" asked her nephew.

"Out of sorts," was the laconic reply.

"I am very sorry for that. I suppose there is reason for it."

"Yes; I've been robbed."

"Indeed!" said Mr. Norris. "Lost your purse? I wonder more ladies are
not robbed, carrying their money as carelessly as they do."

"That isn't it. I am always careful, as careful as any man."

"Still you got robbed."

"Yes, but of a bank book."

Here Carl became attentive. It was clear that he would not have to look
any farther for the owner of the book he had found in his stateroom.