"You'll do," the stranger said, approvingly, when the boy ceased his efforts. "I'll take you along, and pay a little something if you'll do a turn."
"You can bet your life I will, but I don't want to go any farther than Cooperstown Junction."
"Very well, there'll be plenty of time to talk about that part of the business, for we shall make three stands between here and there. Take this money to buy something in the way of a lunch, and in twenty minutes we'll start."
Jet was overjoyed.
By this arrangement he saw an opportunity to follow the alleged murderers, and at the same time earn money to return to New York if necessary.
Probably if he had told his new employer the whole story that gentleman would have advised him to call upon the inspector without delay, rather than try to run the criminals down himself.
As it was, however, he believed he knew exactly what course to pursue, and had little doubt as to succeeding.
Two sandwiches and three boiled eggs were the provisions he purchased to break his long fast, and when the train drew out of the depot the amateur dancer, seated by the side of his employer, thought he was very fortunate.
Cobleskill was the town where Jet was to make his first bow before the public, and with a costume which was rather "off color" because of having been contributed in fragments by the different members of the company, he stepped on the stage feeling just a trifle nervous.
To the surprise of his professional companions Jet gave a really presentable performance.