The $500 Check — page 239: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

920) THE $500 CHECK. Of course Bert enjoyed his trip. The sun shone brightly, the air was cool] and invigorat- ing, and the scenes through which he was rap- idly speeding were new to him. In spite of the sense of responsibility which rested upon him, he felt cheerful and exhilarated. ‘“Tf I can only succeed in my mission!’’ he thought. ‘‘If1can only find Ralph Harding, and induce him to vindicate my father’s repu- tation, I shall feel happy !”’ It so happened that he had seated himself in the smoking car, the car behind, which he first entered, being full. A tall, thin man, wearing a white hat, sat down beside him. ‘“‘Havea cigar, young man?”’ he asked, as he produced two of rather poor quality, one of which he lighted and proceeded to smoKe. —**No, thank you, sir.”’ ‘Better accept a good offer!’’ urged the stranger. ‘Thank you, but I don’t smoke.”’ ‘*Indeed! How old are you ?”’ ‘*T am sixteen,’’ replied Bert. Eomichooks.