Fortunately the prices at the restaurant and coffee house were very moderate, and the two travelers were able to make a plentiful meal, though it reduced their stock of money almost to nothing. After dinner Mr. Montgomery indulged in a five cent-cigar, but Dean declined to smoke.
"Stay here, Dean," said his companion. "I hear there is a weekly paper published in Granville. I will see the editor, and ask him to join us in the speculation, sharing the profits. The paper appears to-morrow. He can give us a big puff that will insure our success."
"Suppose he won't do it?"
"Leave it to me! I have a most persuasive tongue. Granville must not let such an opportunity slip. It must hear me act and listen to your melodious strains."
Nearly an hour passed. Then Montgomery came back radiant. "It's all fixed," he said. "You make your début to-morrow evening. I have engaged board at the hotel for us both."
CHAPTER XXIII.
DEAN'S DEBUT.
The next morning the Granville Weekly Palladium appeared, containing a flaming notice of the forthcoming entertainment, in which the merits of the two performers were extolled in the highest terms. Dean opened his eyes in amazement when he read the following tribute to himself:
At immense expenses the service of