The $500 Check — page 240: what you’re looking at

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

BERT SECURES BOARD. 991 ‘Then you are a vara avis—that means a rare bird. Most boys of your age smoke.” ‘“They’d be better off without it.”’ “Perhaps so. I see you are a prudent young man. How far are you going?’’ ‘¢ To Harrisburg.”’ ‘So amI. Queer coincidence, isn’t it ?”’ ‘¢T don’t know,’’ answered Bert, smiling. ‘‘I presume there are other passengers on board who are also bound for that city.”’ ‘“Very possibly. Ever been there before ?”’ No; sir.”’ ‘‘T have often, and the long ride is rather tedious. What do you say to alittle pe of cards to fill up the time ?”’ ‘‘Thank you, but I would rather look out of the window.’’ The stranger seemed disappointed, but a man in the seat just behind, leaning over, said: ‘Tf you want a game, ’'m your man.”’ “All right!’ said JBert’s companion, brightening up. ‘‘ What game do you play ?”’ ‘* Anything.”’ ‘** Poker ?”’ ‘¢ All right,” GOomichoo <S