au near the window.

"Well," he said, as he waited for the bell to summon him to supper, "I
have taken the first step toward finding Ralph Harding. I am occupying
the room which was once his. What shall be the next step?"

He little anticipated the singular experience that same evening had in
store for him.

CHAPTER XXVII.

A BOARDING-HOUSE IN HARRISBURG.

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 abou