At the supper table Bert made acquaintance with his fellow-boarders. There were eight in all. Three of them worked in the shoe factory where Ralph Harding had been employed, two young ladies were saleswomen in a dry-goods store, Professor Silvio and wife taught a dancing school, and the eighth was the landlady's daughter, a young woman of twenty-five, who resembled Mrs. Stubbs closely. Bert learned afterward that she was employed in a millinery store. "Gentlemen and ladies," said Mrs. Stubbs, as Bert took the vacant chair that had been assigned to him, "let me introduce a new boarder, Mr. Barton." Eight pairs of curious eyes were fixed upon Bert, and he blushed a little, not being accustomed to the scrutiny of strangers. "He is a friend of a former boarder, Mr. Harding, whom some of you will remember." "Have you heard from Mr. Harding lately, Mr. Barton?" asked Angelica Stubbs, who sat next to our hero. "No," answered Bert. "He left quite suddenly, owing me eight weeks' board." "So I heard." "Do you think he will ever pay it up?" "If I succeed in finding him I think there is some chance of it." "Mr. Harding and I were very good friends," continued Miss Stubbs. "He--in fact--showed quite a fondness for my society," she added, casting down her eyes modestly. "No wonder!" said Bert, smiling. "Oh, you sad flatterer!" said Miss Angelica, appearing pleased at what she regarded as a compliment. "Didn't he tell _you_ where he was going?" asked Bert. "No; I think he was called away by bad news." "What sort of a looking man was he?" Bert inquired. "You ask me that?" said Angelica, in surprise. "I thought you were a friend of his." "I never saw him in my life." "That's funny. Why then did ma introduce you as a friend of his?" "She thought me so. I am interested in finding him, that is all." "You are not a horrid detective, I hope? Has poor Mr. Harding committed a crime? Oh, tell me quick. You actually make me creep all over." "I don't mean any harm, but his testimony is wanted in a law case. You haven't told me about his appearance yet." "I've got his photograph, and will show it to you after supper." "Oh, thank you!" said Bert, much pleased. "That is, if you are sure it won't do him any harm. He used to talk to me very confidentially, and I can't help liking him, even if he did get in debt to ma." "Perhaps he was unfortunate and couldn't pay." "That's what I tell ma, but ma's rather severe on boarders that go away without paying her." "Did he take all his baggage with him, Miss Stubbs?" "He left behind a box of books and papers. They weren't of much account--some old letters and such." "Did your mother preserve them?" asked Bert eagerly. "Yes, I believe so; but she would have preferred to have him leave his trunk. That might have been sold for a part of his board bill." "Do you think I could look over the books and papers?" asked Bert. "What for?" inquired Angelica, her face expressing curiosity.