"Your train starts at four-thirty," said the jeweler. "You can engage a sleeping berth at the Grand Central depot. You will travel all night."
"I am sorry for that," said Mark. "I shall miss some of the scenery."
"You can arrange to travel over this part by day on your return."
It was four o'clock when Mark entered the depot. He thought it best to be on time. When the doors were opened he entered the station proper and sought the car containing his berth.
There was an upper and a lower berth, his being the lower. The two were numbered 7 and 8. He had scarcely taken his seat when a gentleman came in and sat down beside him. Neither he nor Mark had noticed each other particularly till the train had left the depot. Then the gentleman exclaimed in surprise, "Mark Mason?"
"Uncle Solon?" exclaimed the messenger in equal surprise.
"You are in the wrong car. Didn't you know that this is the Limited Western Express?"
"I shall stop at Buffalo," answered Mark, not caring to mention his further destination.
"What on earth carries you out there?" he asked.
"You know what I mean. Why are you going to Buffalo?"
"What business can a boy like you possibly have, I'd like to know?"
"It isn't my own business, Uncle Solon, and so I don't feel at liberty to tell."
"It is very strange. Have you a sleeping berth?"
"That is the lower berth--just the one I wanted," exclaimed Talbot in vexation. "Mine is the upper. Let me see your sleeping check."
Mark showed it. Solon Talbot regarded it enviously.
"I will give you twenty-five cents to exchange," he said.
"I will exchange without the twenty-five cents if you prefer the lower berth."
"I can't accept it. Here is the check. Give me yours in return."
Solon did so muttering his thanks rather ungraciously. He hated to be under any obligation to his nephew.
"I left him in New York. I am going back to Syracuse to attend to a little business, and shall then return to New York."
Mr. Talbot took out an evening paper and began to read. Mark prepared to look around him. Presently Mr. Talbot arose.
"I am going into the smoking-car to smoke a cigar," he said. "Have an eye on my grip while I am gone."
Hours passed. The two travelers retired to their respective berths. About two o'clock Mark was startled by a severe shock that nearly threw him out of his berth. There was a confused shouting, and Mark heard some one crying.
