"Dean, my boy, you have ten cents the advantage of me. If you have any plans that with our united capital we may be able to carry out, my wealth is at your service." "I have no plans except to get something to eat," said Dean. "I am with you there," said the actor, rising with alacrity from his recumbent position. "Know you of a hostelry?" "If that means a restaurant, I think we may find one in the village." "Wisely guessed. If you have no objection to my company, we will walk together." "I shall be glad of your company, Mr. Montgomery." "You do me proud, Mr. Dunham," and the actor once more doffed his hat, and bowed low. "If you don't mind, my boy, suppose you tell me what brings you out here, so far from home? I came with a combination, as I have explained." "I came as private secretary with a gentleman—no, a man named Kirby. He chose to charge me with stealing his pocket-book, and discharged me on the train, refusing to pay me back wages." "Steal—with that honest face! Why, I'd trust you with my entire wealth—fifty-seven cents—and wouldn't lose a minute's sleep." "Thank you," said Dean, smiling. "I hope I deserve your confidence." "So it seems that we are both in very much the same plight. We must hustle for a living. I wish you were an actor." "Why?" "We might give a joint performance, and so pick up a few pennies. Can you play on any instrument?" Dean drew a harmonica from his pocket and displayed it. "I can play a little on this," he said. "Give us a taste of your quality." Dean put the harmonica in his mouth and played several popular airs in very creditable style. He had practiced considerably in Waterford, and when he left home chanced to bring his favorite instrument with him. Mr. Montgomery applauded vociferously. "That's capital!" he said. "I have an idea. Our fortune is made." "Is it? I'm very glad to hear it." "Let me explain. I am a dramatic Jack of all trades. I can sing, dance, recite, and give imitations. Why shouldn't we give a joint exhibition? I venture to say we can charm and astonish the good people of Granville, and gather in golden shekels for ourselves." "But what am I to do?" "Listen. You are the world-renowned Dean Dunham, the champion player on the harmonica, who have charmed tens of thousands, and whose name is a household word from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Do you understand?" "I shall begin to think I am a humbug." "So be it! Humbug makes money and rides at ease, while modest merit goes barefoot and tramps over dusty roads." "That is complimentary to us, for it happens to be our condition just at present." "Then let us abandon it! It doesn't pay. Will you join me, and try your luck with the good people of Granville?"