of any money that is to come to Mr. Harding. I work hard for
my money, and I can't afford to lose thirty-two dollars, and it
isn't right that I should.

Hoping to hear from you very soon, I remain,

Yours respectfully,
AMELIA STUBBS.

P. S. You can send me a check, as I can get it cashed by my grocer.

"Mrs. Stubbs means business," remarked Bert with a smile. "Have you sent
her the money?"

"Not yet. I don't hold myself liable for Ralph Harding's debts, even if
this is the man I am after. However, I am willing to pay Mrs. Stubbs
for information, if she can furnish any that will help us."

"Have you written to her?"

"I am going to send a letter to her by you."

"Am I to go to Harrisburg?" exclaimed Bert, pleasantly surprised.

"Yes; I shall send you there to-morrow."

"I should like to go. What am I to do when I get there?"

"First of all you must call on Mrs. Stubbs. It may be well for you to
engage board at her house for a week, paying in advance, as that will
put you in her good graces. You will, of course, learn all you can from
her, but it will be necessary also to seek information outside. I shall
have to leave a good deal to your discretion."

"I hope your confidence in me won't prove to be misplaced, Uncle Jacob."

"I know you will do your best, Bert, but it is quite possible you may
fail. As the poet says: ''Tis not in mortals to _command_ success.' I am
sure you will deserve it."

"Isn't it going to cost considerable to make this journey, Uncle Jacob?"

"I think we can find money enough for it."

"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.