Now Bert had seldom enjoyed an opportunity of attending a dramatic performance, and felt strongly tempted to avail himself of the one that now offered. He wished to be as economical as possible, and decided to content himself with a seat in the balcony. "Where is the theatre?" he asked of a boy who was studying the bill at the same time with himself. "Just round the corner. I'll show you," was the reply. "Thank you." "Are you goin' to see de play?" asked the boy with interest. "I think I shall." "I'd go myself if I had another nickel," said the young guide. "I've got ten cents." "But I thought twenty-five cents was the lowest price." "I can go to de gallery for fifteen cents. De gallery is good enough for me." "If a nickel will help you, here is one." "Thank you," said the boy. "It's a boss play, dey tell me." "I hope it is, as I am going myself." The theatre was near at hand, and the two boys soon stood before it. It was rather early, being only a quarter past seven, but a small crowd of boys was already waiting for a chance to obtain admission to the gallery. There seemed to be no hurry about buying a ticket, and Bert took a standing position near the box office, surveying with interest the passers by. All at once he felt a hand on his shoulder, and these words fell upon his ear: "We meet again, my dear boy. Shake!" Bert immediately recognized his travelling friend who had lost his money on the train. "Are you one of the dramatic company?" he asked. "Yes; I play the leading villain--and am acting stage manager. My name is Orville--Jack Orville. You have heard of me." "I have always lived in the country," said Bert apologetically, "and so have little acquaintance with actors." Orville looked disappointed. He liked to be known and recognized. "That accounts for it," he said. "I am surprised to hear that you are from the country. You have the city air." Bert was pleased to hear it, though perhaps that might be a mark of weakness. At the moment another man came up hurriedly, and spoke to Orville. "Here's a pretty kettle of fish, Orville," he said. "Bob Hazleton is sick and insists upon going back to New York. Where shall we find a boy to take his place?" Orville had an inspiration. He clapped his hand on Bert's shoulder, exclaiming: "Here he stands!" CHAPTER XXVIII. BERT'S FIRST APPEARANCE ON ANY STAGE. Bert eyed the actor with amazement, rather disposed to doubt his sanity. "Do you mean me?" he said. "Certainly." "Has he ever acted?" asked Pearson, the second actor, doubtfully. "No, but he can act. I'll undertake to train him." "There isn't much time. Hazleton can't appear to-night." "Don't worry! I'll see that he is not missed." As Pearson went away, Orville said: "You'll help us out, won't you, my boy?" "What do you want me to do?" asked Bert, his heart beating with excitement. "Take the part of a newsboy. You've seen and heard them in the streets of New York, haven't you?"