"I hope it is, as I am going myself."
The theatre was near at hand, and the two boys soon stood before it. It was rather early, being only a quarter past seven, but a small crowd of boys was already waiting for a chance to obtain admission to the gallery.
There seemed to be no hurry about buying a ticket, and Bert took a standing position near the box office, surveying with interest the passers by. All at once he felt a hand on his shoulder, and these words fell upon his ear:
"We meet again, my dear boy. Shake!"
Bert immediately recognized his travelling friend who had lost his money on the train.
"Are you one of the dramatic company?" he asked.
"Yes; I play the leading villain—and am acting stage manager. My name is Orville—Jack Orville. You have heard of me."
"I have always lived in the country," said Bert apologetically, "and so have little acquaintance with actors."
Orville looked disappointed. He liked to be known and recognized.
"That accounts for it," he said. "I am surprised to hear that you are from the country. You have the city air."