BERT SECURES BOARD IN HARRISBURG.

Bert arrived in Harrisburg about four o'clock in the afternoon. He had
in his hand a gripsack purchased for him by Uncle Jacob, who also
provided him with a fuller supply of shirts, socks, and underclothing
than he had brought with him.

"You may be gone some time," he said.

Just as Bert got into the cars, Uncle Jacob handed him a wallet.

"This contains a sum of money for your immediate needs," he explained.
"When you are out, send to me."

After the cars started, Bert opened the wallet, and to his surprise
found that he had fifty dollars in his possession.

"Uncle Jacob's money won't last long at this rate," he said to himself.
"I must be very careful and economical. I should like to take back to
him a part of this sum."

Of course Bert enjoyed his trip. The sun shone brightly, the air was
cool and invigorating, and the scenes through which he was rapidly
speeding were new to him. In spite of the sense of responsibility which
rested upon him, he felt cheerful and exhilarated.

"If I can only succeed in my mission!" he thought. "If I can only find
Ralph Harding, and induce him to vindicate my father's reputation, I
shall feel happy!"

It so happened that he had seated himself in the smoking car, the car
behind, which he first entered, being full.

A tall, thin man, wearing a white hat, sat down beside him.

"Have a cigar, young man?" he asked, as he produced two of rather poor
quality, one of which he lighted and proceeded to smoke.

"No, thank you, sir."

"Better accept a good offer," urged the stranger.

"Thank you, but I don't smoke."

"Indeed! How old are you?"

"I am sixteen," replied Bert.

"Then you are a _rara avis_--that means a rare bird. Most boys of your
age smoke."

"They'd be better off without it."

"Perhaps so. I see you are a prudent young man. How far are you going?"

"To Harrisburg."

"So am I. Queer coincidence, isn't it?"

"I don't know," answered Bert, smiling. "I presume there are other
passengers on board who are also bound for that city."

"Very possibly. Ever been there before?"

"No, sir."

"I have often, and the long ride is rather tedious. What do you say to a
little game of cards to fill up the time?"

"Thank you, but I would rather look out of the window."

The stranger seemed disappointed, but a man in the seat just behind,
leaning over, said: "If you want a game, I'm your man."

"All right!" said Bert's compa