"I am afraid your money will soon melt away, uncle. Think how much you have spent for us already." "You remember what I told you as to my lucky investment in the Magnet Mine. At any rate it will be worth something to vindicate your father, who, for ten long and tedious years, has been compelled to pass his life in exile under the ban of a crime which he never committed." "Yes, Uncle Jacob, but it ought not to come out of you." "Make yourself easy, Bert. The money we spend for worthy purposes is well invested, and we are often repaid tenfold. And now, as you are unacquainted with New York, I will take you out for a walk and show you how it looks by gaslight." Nothing could have pleased Bert better than this proposal. They returned at nine o'clock, and both he and Uncle Jacob retired at an early hour. CHAPTER XXVI. BERT SECURES BOARD IN HARRISBURG. Bert arrived in Harrisburg about four o'clock in the afternoon. He had in his hand a gripsack purchased for him by Uncle Jacob, who also provided him with a fuller supply of shirts, socks, and underclothing than he had brought with him. "You may be gone some time," he said. Just as Bert got into the cars, Uncle Jacob handed him a wallet. "This contains a sum of money for your immediate needs," he explained. "When you are out, send to me." After the cars started, Bert opened the wallet, and to his surprise found that he had fifty dollars in his possession. "Uncle Jacob's money won't last long at this rate," he said to himself. "I must be very careful and economical. I should like to take back to him a part of this sum." Of course Bert enjoyed his trip. The sun shone brightly, the air was cool and invigorating, and the scenes through which he was rapidly speeding were new to him. In spite of the sense of responsibility which rested upon him, he felt cheerful and exhilarated. "If I can only succeed in my mission!" he thought. "If I can only find Ralph Harding, and induce him to vindicate my father's reputation, I shall feel happy!" It so happened that he had seated himself in the smoking car, the car behind, which he first entered, being full. A tall, thin man, wearing a white hat, sat down beside him. "Have a cigar, young man?" he asked, as he produced two of rather poor quality, one of which he lighted and proceeded to smoke. "No, thank you, sir." "Better accept a good offer," urged the stranger. "Thank you, but I don't smoke." "Indeed! How old are you?" "I am sixteen," replied Bert. "Then you are a _rara avis_--that means a rare bird. Most boys of your age smoke." "They'd be better off without it." "Perhaps so. I see you are a prudent young man. How far are you going?" "To Harrisburg." "So am I. Queer coincidence, isn't it?" "I don't know," answered Bert, smiling. "I presume there are other passengers on board who are also bound for that city." "Very possibly. Ever been there before?" "No, sir."