IV. Fred's Good Luck 125

XXV. Rose Wainwright's Party 131

XXVI. Fred Becomes a Newspaper Hero 136

XXVII. A Confidential Mission 141

XXVIII. St. Victor 146

XXIX. Fred Takes the First Step 154

XXX. A Hunting Excursion 157

XXXI. Fred has an Understanding with Sinclair 163

XXXII. Finding a Clue 168

XXXIII. Success 173

XXXIV. Bowman's Panic 179

XXXV. Fred's Reward 185

XXXVI. A Letter from Tom Sloan 190

XXXVII. Cousin Ferguson 193

XXXVIII. Conclusion 197

THE ERIE TRAIN BOY

CHAPTER I.

ON THE ERIE ROAD.

"Papers, magazines, all the popular novels! Can't I sell you something
this morning?"

Joshua Bascom turned as the train boy addressed him, and revealed an
honest, sunburned face, lighted up with pleasurable excitement, for he
was a farmer's son and was making his first visit to the city of New
York.

"I ain't much on story readin'," he said, "I tried to read a story book
once, but I couldn't seem to get interested in it."

"What was the name of it?" asked Fred, the train boy, smiling.

"It was the 'Pilgrim's Progress,' or some such name. It had pictures
into it. Aunt Nancy give it to dad for a birthday present once."

"I have heard of it."

"It was a mighty queer book. I couldn't make head nor tail on't."

"All books are not like that."

"I don't feel like readin'. It's a nuff sight more interestin' lookin'
out of the winder at the sights.

"I'm going to York to spend a week," added Joshua, with an air of
importance.

"That's where I live," said the train boy.

"Do you? Then you might tell me where to put up. I've got ten dollars.
I reckon that ought to keep me a week."

Fred smiled.

"That is more than enough to keep me," he said, "but it costs a
stranger considerable to go around. But I shall have to go my rounds."

It was a train on the Erie road, and the car had just passed
Middletown. Joshua was sitting by the window, and the seat beside him
was vacant. The train boy had scarcely left the car when a stylishly
dressed young man, who had been sitting behind, came forward and
accosted Joshua.

"Is this seat enga