nd of the season he found himself just fifteen thousand
dollars out of pocket. Now he has sold out and is running a country
hotel fifty miles west of here. He doesn't hope to make so much, but his
business is much safer."

"I'm afraid it will be a long time before I get money enough to run a
hotel," laughed our hero.

"Would you like to run one?"

"I don't know. I'd like to educate myself first."

"Don't you study some now? I have seen you with some arithmetics and
histories."

"Yes, sir, I study a little every day. You see, I never had much
schooling, and I don't want to grow up ignorant, if I can help it."

"That is the proper spirit, lad," answered Andrew Mallison, warmly.
"Learn all you possibly can. It will always be the means of doing you
good."

The conversation took place on Thursday and two days later the season at
the summer hotel came to an end and the last of the boarders took their
departure. Monday was spent in putting things in order, and by Tuesday
afternoon work around the place came to an end, and all the help was
paid off.

In the meantime Joe had sold his boat. With all of his money in his
pocket he called at the Talmadge house to see if Ned had returned from
the trip to the west.

"Just got back yesterday," said Ned, who came to greet him. "Had a
glorious trip. I wish you had been along. I like traveling better than
staying at home all the time."

"I am going to do a bit of traveling myself, Ned."

"Where are you going?"

"To Philadelphia--to try my luck in that city."

"Going to leave Mr. Mallison?"

"Yes,--the season is at an end."

"Oh, I see. So you are going to the Quaker City, as pa calls it. I wish
you luck. You'll have to write to me, Joe, and let me know how you are
getting along."

"I will,--and you must write to me."

"Of course."

On the following day Joe rowed along the lake to where his old home dock
had been located and made a trip to what was left of the cabin. He spent
another hour in hunting for the blue box, but without success.

"I suppose I'll never find that box," he sighed. "I may as well give up
thinking about it."

From Andrew Mallison our hero had obtained his letter of recommendation
and also a good pocket map of Philadelphia. The hotel man had also
made him a present of a neat suit case, in which he packed his few
belongings.

Ned Talmadge came to see him off at the depot. The day was cool and
clear, and Joe felt in excellent spirits.

Soon