me act."

He gave Bert his card, and then closing his eyes, passed the remainder
of the journey in dozing.

Arrived in Harrisburg, Bert found himself besieged by hackmen,
representing different hotels. But he did not think it right to waste
Uncle Jacob's money in unnecessary expense. He picked out a bootblack,
and showing him the address of Mrs. Stubbs, asked: "Is that near by?"

"'Bout quarter of a mile," answered the street boy.

"What'll you ask for showing me the way?"

"A dime."

"Go ahead, then!"

In five minutes Bert found himself standing in front of a rather shabby
three-story house, in a decent, but not fashionable, street. The name
Stubbs was on the door.

Bert rang the bell, and inquired for Mrs. Stubbs.

He was ushered into a small reception room on one side of the front
door, furnished in cheap, boarding-house style, and took a seat on a
stiff-backed cane chair.

Presently a thin lady, with cork-screw curls, and a pale, washed-out
complexion, entered the room.

"Did you wish to see me, sir?" she said.

"Yes," answered Bert. "You answered an advertisement about Ralph
Harding. I come from New York."

"Have you brought my money?" asked Mrs. Stubbs, with animation.

"What money do you refer to?"

"Mr. Harding's board bill. I sent it in the letter."

"We don't feel called upon to pay Mr. Harding's debts," returned Bert,
who had been instructed by Uncle Jacob to say this.

"Must I lose thirty-two dollars, then?" said the lady tragically. "It's
a shame."

"No doubt it is, but we don't even know Mr. Harding."

"Then why did you advertise for him?"

"Because we want his testimony in a law case."

"The advertisement said that it would be for Mr. Harding's advantage to
report to you."

"So it will, if we can find him. He will receive money enough to settle
your bill, and more, too. We will see that he does, if you help us find
him."

"I am sure I am willing to do all I can," said Mrs. Stubbs, considerably
mollified.

"Have you got a small room vacant?" asked Bert. "I may be detained in
Harrisburg for a while."

"Yes; you can have the one Mr. Harding used to occupy. If you occupy it
alone, it will be five dollars a week with board."

"I will take it," said Bert promptly. "Can I have possession at once?"

"Yes. Let me show you the way."

The room was on the third floor. It was a small one, but would answer
the purpose. Bert took out his clothes, and laid them away in the pine
bure