nt off Harry Gilbert.

CHAPTER VI

UNCLE OBED ARRIVES FROM ILLINOIS

It seemed odd to Harry to enter Mead's store, where he had been
employed, merely as a customer.

Mr. Mead nodded pleasantly.

"It seems natural to see you here, Harry," he said. "Have you been
berrying?"

"Yes, and I would like to sell my berries."

"Very well. You know what I pay--eight cents a quart."

"I have four quarts."

"Measure them out yourself, Harry. I will make an exception in your
case, if you wish it, and give you the money for them."

Harry accepted this offer, as he did not know of what groceries his
mother stood in need.

As he walked out of the store, he felt more confidence than he had done
in the morning. He had not got a place, to be sure, but he had earned
thirty-two cents. This was not quite half what he had been accustomed to
earn at the store, but it was something.

A little way from the store, Harry passed an old man, dressed neatly,
but in a well-worn suit, walking with some difficulty, with the help of
a stout cane. He looked to be seventy years old, at least, and his
appearance indicated that he was poor.

As Harry passed, the old man called out:

"Stop a minute, boy!"

Harry stopped, and waited respectfully to learn what the old man wanted.
It is a common complaint that most boys are wanting in respect to old
age, but this charge could not be brought against Harry, who was
uniformly courteous to all persons older than himself.

Though he suspected the old man to be very poor, it made no difference
to him.

"Can you tell me where Mr. Ross lives?" asked the stranger.

"Yes, sir. I suppose you mean Colonel Ross?"

"I believe that's what they call him. His wife is my niece."

Harry was very much surprised to hear this.

"Have you ever been there before, sir?" asked Harry.

"No; I've been living out in Illinoy. But I'm getting old, and my only
daughter died last month. So I've come here to visit my niece."

"I don't believe Mrs. Ross will be very glad to see her uncle," thought
Harry; "and I'm sure Philip won't."

"I will show you the way, sir, if you wish," said Harry, politely.

"I wish you would, if it isn't too much trouble," said the old man.

"Oh, no trouble at all," said Harry.

"You seem to be a very obliging boy. What is your name?"

"Harry Gilbert."

"Are your parents living?"

"My mother is living, but my father's dead--that is, we expect