g. But there was one embarrassment. He did not like to leave the
company till they were able to find a substitute. In New York this would
have been easy, but here in Peoria there would be a great difficulty.

But he was unexpectedly relieved from this perplexity.

On Friday morning Mr. Pearson, who had just come from the manager's
room, said to him, "I have news for you, Bert."

"What is it, Mr. Pearson?"

"Bob Hazleton has just arrived, and wants to take his old place. But, of
course, that would not be fair to you."

"Tell the manager to take him back," said Bert eagerly. "I have some
important business calling me to Chicago, and I shall be glad to
resign."

"You are sure you won't be disappointed?"

"Very sure. I have been wondering how I could resign without
embarrassing the company."

"We shall be very sorry to lose you, but if that is the way you feel,
Bob is in luck."

Bert played that evening in the presence of his predecessor in the role,
and on Saturday took the morning train for Chicago.

CHAPTER XXXV.

SUCCESS COMES STRANGELY.

On his return to Chicago, Bert went back to Mrs. Shelby's
boarding-house, and was cordially received. His board bill was but six
dollars a week, and he took care not to spend any money unnecessarily
for outside expenses.

About the middle of the week he received a letter from Uncle Jacob, to
whom he had telegraphed his movements.

This is an extract therefrom:

"You will be surprised to learn that your father is sick at
Lakeville, under your mother's care. I don't think his trouble is
physical so much as mental. If, by your help, his reputation is
vindicated, and he is relieved from suspicion, I am sure he will
soon be himself again.

"There is some risk, no doubt, in the step he has taken. He might
be denounced and arrested, if information were given to the
authorities. But a long time has elapsed since the charge was made,
and no one in Lakeville was cognizant of the circumstances except
Albert Marlowe, and, though he may learn that the city boarder at
your house is your father, I cannot believe he would be so base as
to give a hint to the authorities. If he should, the letter of
Ralph Harding's which you forwarded will throw suspicion upon him.
I am anxious, however, to have you find the man himself, as his
oral testimony will avail more than any letters. You may assure
him,