g city after his business had been attended to.

As he approached Buffalo on the train his attention was attracted to two
persons sitting a little distance in front of him. They were a father and
son, as he gathered from the conversation.

The son was about his own age and size apparently, but rather more slender
in figure. He had a peevish expression, and Ernest doubted whether he
would like him.

"Father," Ernest heard him say, "won't you give me a little money? I am
dead broke."

"I gave you five dollars when we set out on this journey," he said.

"Well, five dollars won't last forever," was the pert rejoinder.

"It ought to last more than four days, Clarence."

Ernest started. He knew that his cousin's name was Clarence. Could this be
Stephen Ray and his son?

Even if it were so, he felt that it would not be advisable to make himself
known. This business which was carrying him to New York might bring him
into conflict with Stephen Ray. If so, he would not care to let his
presence be known.

On arriving at Buffalo Ernest left the train. He had never visited
Niagara, and being now so near he felt that he could not forego the
opportunity.

He registered at the Tefft House, and decided to remain for a day. This
would give him time to see the Falls.

Ernest had a room assigned to him, and went up to it at once to have the
luxury of a good wash.

Five minutes afterward Stephen Ray and his son Clarence entered the
hotel.

Mr. Ray, in a pompous manner, went up to the desk and said to the clerk:
"Can you give me a good room?"

"Yes, sir."

"I want a front room if you have it."

"I can't give you a front room, but I can give you a good side room."

Stephen Ray grumbled a little, but finally decided to take the room
offered him. He saw that his haughty manner did not impress the clerk, who
was accustomed to men of his class.

Clarence looked over his father's shoulder as he registered.

"Why, pa," he exclaimed in surprise, "there's another guest of our name."

"Where?" asked his father.

"There, three names above your signature."

CHAPTER XXXIV

A STRANGE MEETING

Stephen Ray looked at the register, and started violently as he read the
entry:

"Ernest Ray, Oreville, California."

"What's the matter, pa?" asked Clarence, noticing his father's agitation.

"Oh, nothing, nothing," answered his father with an effort.

"Haven't we a cousin named Ernest Ray?"

"We had, but he is dead."