"I can't undertake to compete with an actor, Mr. Barton."
"I can't get over my surprise at being called an actor. However, as long as it pays me better than anything else, I don't object."
The next day Mrs. Stubbs intercepted Bert as he was leaving the house.
"My daughter tells me," she said, "that you are willing to pay four dollars for the papers which Mr. Harding left behind him?"
"Yes," answered Bert eagerly.
"I don't see why I shouldn't sell them. I can't afford to lose eight weeks' board."
"Quite true, Mrs. Stubbs. I don't see why they won't be just as safe in my hands as in yours."
"You don't want to do Mr. Harding any harm; though I don't know why I should think of that, after the way he has served me!"
"Instead of that, Mrs. Stubbs, I can assure you that it will be money in his pocket, if, through his papers, I am able to find him."
"And in that case you will try to get him to pay his honest debts?"