be, provided he can make good at the business. I think he came
to Mr. Appleby with some sort of a hard-luck story, and the manager said
he would give him a chance. Privately, though, I don't think he's very
much of an actor. But then you know, a fellow has got to do something
for a living."

"He can probably act as well as the majority," answered Dave. "But I am
surprised to learn that he was on the steam yacht and didn't show
himself to us. Still, he was probably afraid to do so, and glad enough
to keep out of sight. I suppose he brought you to this farm?"

"Oh, we just took a walk up this way," returned Ward Porton, with some
hesitation. He gave Dave a keen look. "You see, I was on my way to the
Crumville poorhouse. By the way, Merwell told me that you had once been
connected with that institution," and he gave Dave another keen look.

Our hero's face flushed, and for the instant he did not know what to
say. Caspar Potts, too, showed confusion.

"David was not--er--connected with that institution, sir," said the old
gentleman, hurriedly. "He was placed there when he was a child by those
who found him wandering along the railroad tracks here. They did not
know who he was, and----"

"I don't think Mr. Porton will be interested in that story, Professor,"
interrupted our hero.

"Well, to tell the truth I am interested," answered Ward Porton. "I once
lived in a poorhouse myself."

"Indeed! Is that so?" murmured Caspar Potts. "How interesting!"

"It wasn't anywhere around here, though," went on the young
moving-picture actor. "It was 'way down East. And believe me, it was a
hard life! I don't really see how I pulled through," and he smiled,
grimly.

"I can't say that I had such a very hard time of it," said Dave. "They
treated me fairly well, and as soon as I got old enough to work, Mr.
Potts here took me and not only gave me a good home, but also the
beginning of a good education. Then, after that, I found my folks--I had
been stolen away from them you see when a baby--and since that time I
have had an easy time of it."

"You're the lucky one then," answered Ward Porton. He seemed on the
point of saying something more, but evidently changed his mind. "Well,
if it's all the same to you, I'll be going," he concluded.

"Better take my advice, and drop Link Merwell," said Dave, as the young
man moved away. "If you don't, sooner or later he'll get you into hot
water. The authorities want him, even though they got