y's Theatre
this week, and no other. Were you ever in Chicago?"

"No," answered Bert. "I have never traveled much. I suppose you have."

"Yes; I went out to San Francisco last year with the 'Silver King.' You
will find Chicago a pleasant city."

"Are the hotels dear?"

"No; only moderate in price. The theatrical people get a discount, you
know."

"I think I should rather live in a boarding house."

"That will be cheaper. I don't mind going with you to keep you company."

"Do you know of any good house?"

"I know a very comfortable boarding-house on Monroe Street, kept by Mrs.
Shelby, a widow lady. My sister once boarded there, when visiting
Chicago."

"That will suit me, I think. Would you mind going 'round with me?"

"I'll take you there, with pleasure."

The two, on arriving in Chicago, went at once to Monroe Street, and
called at the boarding-house.

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Pearson," said the widow cordially. "Is your
sister with you?"

"Not this time."

"Are you going to play here?"

"Yes; I shall appear at Hooley's Theatre all next week."

"Is that young gentleman your brother?"

"No, he is one of our actors, Mr. Bert Barton."

"He looks young for an actor," said the landlady, surprised.

"I appeared on the stage when I was only twelve. But we have come on
business, Mrs. Shelby. Have you a vacant room?"

"Yes; I had one vacated yesterday."

"Suppose Mr. Barton and myself take it for a week?"

"I shall be glad to have you. I can't afford to have my rooms remain
vacant."

"What will be your terms?"

"Six dollars each, including board."

"Is that satisfactory, Bert?" asked Pearson.

"Quite so, Mr. Pearson."

"Then we will take possession. I hope it is almost time for a meal, Mrs.
Shelby. I am almost famished."

"You will only have to wait an hour. I will show you to your rooms, and
then I must be excused, as my presence is required downstairs."

The room shown by the landlady was of fair size and neatly furnished.
Bert looked about him in satisfaction.

"I would rather be here than at a hotel," he said.

"So would I, as long as I have a companion," returned Mr. Pearson.
"Besides, I shall be saving from four to five dollars a week. I ought to
pay more than half of it, as I am receiving a considerably higher salary
than you."

"No, Mr. Pearson, I prefer to pay my share. But for you I should be
paying more at a hotel."

Bert felt a little diffidence in appearing before a Ch