allery.

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?"

"Yes; but it seems sudden. I should have to learn the part."

"All told there are not more than twenty lines, and you won't come on
till the second act. You've spoken pieces, haven't you?"

"Yes, and I like it."

"I was sure of it. Then you accept?"

"If you think I can do it, and will tell me exactly what to do."

"Come round at once to the stage entrance. I will give you your lines
and tell you the business. We'll speak about terms later."

As Bert followed Orville round to the stage door he asked himself
whether he was no