On arriving at Buffalo Ernest left the train. He had never visited Niagara, and being now so near he felt that he could not forego the opportunity. He registered at the Tefft House, and decided to remain for a day. This would give him time to see the Falls. Ernest had a room assigned to him, and went up to it at once to have the luxury of a good wash. Five minutes afterward Stephen Ray and his son Clarence entered the hotel. Mr. Ray, in a pompous manner, went up to the desk and said to the clerk: "Can you give me a good room?" "Yes, sir." "I want a front room if you have it." "I can't give you a front room, but I can give you a good side room." Stephen Ray grumbled a little, but finally decided to take the room offered him. He saw that his haughty manner did not impress the clerk, who was accustomed to men of his class. Clarence looked over his father's shoulder as he registered. "Why, pa," he exclaimed in surprise, "there's another guest of our name." "Where?" asked his father. "There, three names above your signature." CHAPTER XXXIV A STRANGE MEETING Stephen Ray looked at the register, and started violently as he read the entry: "Ernest Ray, Oreville, California." "What's the matter, pa?" asked Clarence, noticing his father's agitation. "Oh, nothing, nothing," answered his father with an effort. "Haven't we a cousin named Ernest Ray?" "We had, but he is dead." "It is strange that there should be another person of the name." "Not at all. The world is large, and there are a good many persons of one name." "This one is from California." "So I see. By the way," here Mr. Ray addressed the clerk, "did you observe the person who registered under the name of Ray?" "Yes. It is a boy about the size of this young gentleman." "It is strange," said Clarence. "It may be our cousin." "Didn't I tell you that the person you refer to is dead?" said his father testily. "I don't believe it," thought Clarence, but he did not express his unbelief. He determined, however, to have an interview with the boy, and find out all about him. He saw Ernest at the table soon after, and so did Stephen Ray. The latter noted with alarm the resemblance of the boy to his cousin Dudley Ray, whose estate he had usurped. "I hope Bolton won't get hold of him," he said to himself. "It would be dangerous to me." After supper Mr. Ray went out, leaving Clarence to himself. He improved the opportunity. Seeing Ernest sitting alone, he went up to him. "Is your name Ray?" he asked. "Yes, Ernest Ray." "My name is Clarence Ray." "So I thought. We are cousins." "That's what I told pa, but he said it was not so--that Ernest Ray was dead." "Your father's name is Stephen Ray?" "Yes." "I have known of him and you since I was old enough to remember anything." "Then you are really my Cousin Ernest?" "Yes." "I wonder why pa said you were dead. I will tell pa he is mistaken."