Ernest did not loiter on his way, though he was tempted to stop in Chicago, but he reflected that he would have plenty of chances to visit that bustling city after his business had been attended to.
As he approached Buffalo on the train his attention was attracted to two persons sitting a little distance in front of him. They were a father and son, as he gathered from the conversation.
The son was about his own age and size apparently, but rather more slender in figure. He had a peevish expression, and Ernest doubted whether he would like him.
“Father,” Ernest heard him say, “won’t you give me a little money? I am dead broke.”
“I gave you five dollars when we set out on this journey,” he said.
“Well, five dollars won’t last forever,” was the pert rejoinder.
“It ought to last more than four days, Clarence.”
Ernest started. He knew that his cousin’s name was Clarence. Could this be Stephen Ray and his son?
Even if it were so, he felt that it would not be advisable to make himself known. This business which was carrying him to New York might bring him into conflict with Stephen Ray. If so, he would not care to let his presence be known.
On arriving at Buffalo Ernest left the train. He had never visited Niagara, and being now so near he felt that he could not forego the opportunity.