Lon had often heard his father speak of the Fifth Avenue Hotel; and as he saw a stage at the station, with the name upon it, he decided to go there, though he had no idea what sort of a house it was. The clerk in the office did not seem to think every thing was regular about the boys, as they had no baggage; but Lon was well dressed, and they were willing to pay in advance. He was disposed to make fun of them; and it was a practical joke on his part, to send the country boy to the chamber of the new arrivals. “Wade Brooks!” exclaimed Lon, as the boy of all work sprang into the room. “How under the canopy came you here?” “I did not expect to find you here,” replied Wade, when he had recovered from his surprise enough to speak. “Then you were not looking for us?” “No, I was not: I was looking for another man,” replied Wade. “Who?” “His name is Jeremy Diddler,” answered Wade, with his usual candor and simplicity. “Jeremy Diddler!” exclaimed Lon, who knew the individual by reputation. “Are you a fool, Wade Brooks?” “I don’t think I am. The man’s other name is Caleb Klucker.” “They are making fun of you, Wade,” said Lon. “What have you been doing since I left you yesterday morning?” Wade told the story just as it was,--that he had sold the boat for twenty dollars, and the money had been taken from him by a fellow whose name was Jeremy Diddler. Lon laughed outright. “Jeremy Diddler is a name given to any one that swindles folks out of their money, you ninny!” said the more experienced Lon. “I didn’t think you was such a fool.” “Is that it?” added Wade, laughing at his own foolishness, and seeing now what the clerks had been laughing at. “I’m glad to know it; and I see that is your name, Lon.” “None of your sauce, Wade Brooks,” said Lon, beginning to look savage. “I’m not afraid of you now; and I had just as lief fight as not. I see you and Matt have swindled Obed Swikes out of his two hundred dollars again; and I think you and he both will fit the meaning you give to the name. There’s the old wallet on the table; and they can’t say I took it this time.” Lon looked at Matt, and Matt looked at Lon. They did not seem to like the situation, for Wade had caught them in the act of counting the money. It was no use to deny it this time; and he had only to tell the clerk, in order to get them into trouble. CHAPTER XVII. AT THE LODGING-HOUSE. “Well, Wade Brooks, what are you going to do about it?” demanded Lon, when he had considered the situation. “I don’t know what I shall do about it,” replied Wade; and he spoke the truth. “You come here to have a time, as I knew you meant to do before.” “If you ever tell anybody what you have found out, I’ll flog you within an inch of your life!” said Lon savagely.