"Mr. Montgomery has been called East. I am afraid this will stop our entertainments." "He did not ask for Mr. Montgomery, only for you." Mr. Gunnison soon came in. He was a slender, dark complexioned man, with a pleasant face. "I know you are Dean Dunham," he said, extending his hand, "for I heard you play last evening. Are you engaged for to-morrow?" "No, sir." "Then I should like to engage your services. An entertainment is to be given in our town hall for the benefit of our town library. For the most part local talent is employed. We are to have a short play, and a few songs. I, as manager, have thought it would help us if we could advertise you in connection with the home attractions." "I shall be glad to make an engagement," said Dean pleasantly. "What would be your terms?" asked Mr. Gunnison a little anxiously. "How much can you afford to pay me?" asked Dean. "We would not think of offering a player of your reputation less than ten dollars if it were not desirable to make expenses as small as possible, but----" "Under the circumstances," said Dean, interrupting him, "I will be willing to come for five." "Thank you, Mr. Dunham. You are very kind," said Mr. Gunnison, warmly, grasping our hero by the hand. "I will try to make it up to you. Instead of going to the hotel you shall be my guest, and your expenses will be nothing. If you are ready I will take you over at once. I have a buggy at the door." "Thank you, sir, I will accept your kind invitation." So Dean, feeling less lonesome than he did, secured his valise, and taking a seat beside his new friend, rode in the direction of Carterville. He was destined to meet an old acquaintance there. CHAPTER XXV. AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. Mr. Gunnison had several children, including one boy of about Dean's age, who was disposed at first to regard our hero with distant respect as a professional star, but soon became intimate with him on finding that Dean had the same tastes as himself. This appeared to surprise him. "I say," he remarked, "I thought you wouldn't have anything to say to a fellow like me." "Why not?" asked Dean, innocently. "Oh, because you're a big gun." "How's that?" "You give concerts, and have your name in the papers." "Oh!" said Dean smiling, "I have to do that for a living, you know. I'm only a boy after all." "And do you like to play baseball?" "I only wish I had a chance." "Do you?" said Gus Gunnison, brightening up. "Well, our club is going to play the Resolutes from the next town this afternoon. We are one man short. Will you take his place?" "Yes, I shall be glad to." "What place do you prefer?" "I'll take any you choose to give me." "Can you catch?" "I like it better than anything else." "Then that's settled. Come over and I'll show you the ground, and introduce you to some of the fellows."