Uncle Jacob took from his wallet a newspaper clipping and showed it to Bert. It ran thus: WANTED.--Information as to the present residence of Ralph Harding, who in the year 1873 was employed in the shoe manufactory of Weeks Brothers, in Lynn, Mass. He will hear something to his advantage. "Have you had any answer to this advertisement?" asked Bert. "Not till this morning, when I received a letter from Harrisburg, written in a feminine hand. Here it is." He placed in Bert's hands the following letter: DEAR SIR: I have read in the Philadelphia _Ledger_ your advertisement for a man named Ralph Harding. A man by that name boarded with me two months ago. He was working in a shoe shop in this city, so he may be the one you are after. You say you know of something to his advantage. If there is any money coming to him I want you to see that I am paid a just debt. Mr. Harding was owing me eight weeks' board when he left the house, at four dollars a week, and dirt cheap that is; for, if I do say it myself, there are not many boarding-houses in Harrisburg where so good a table is kept for four dollars as I give. I inclose my bill, and will be very glad if you will send me the money by return of mail, taking it out of any money that is to come to Mr. Harding. I work hard for my money, and I can't afford to lose thirty-two dollars, and it isn't right that I should. Hoping to hear from you very soon, I remain, Yours respectfully, AMELIA STUBBS. P. S. You can send me a check, as I can get it cashed by my grocer. "Mrs. Stubbs means business," remarked Bert with a smile. "Have you sent her the money?" "Not yet. I don't hold myself liable for Ralph Harding's debts, even if this is the man I am after. However, I am willing to pay Mrs. Stubbs for information, if she can furnish any that will help us." "Have you written to her?" "I am going to send a letter to her by you." "Am I to go to Harrisburg?" exclaimed Bert, pleasantly surprised. "Yes; I shall send you there to-morrow." "I should like to go. What am I to do when I get there?" "First of all you must call on Mrs. Stubbs. It may be well for you to engage board at her house for a week, paying in advance, as that will put you in her good graces. You will, of course, learn all you can from her, but it will be necessary also to seek information outside. I shall have to leave a good deal to your discretion." "I hope your confidence in me won't prove to be misplaced, Uncle Jacob." "I know you will do your best, Bert, but it is quite possible you may fail. As the poet says: ''Tis not in mortals to _command_ success.' I am sure you will deserve it." "Isn't it going to cost considerable to make this journey, Uncle Jacob?" "I think we can find money enough for it."