"I need to be," said Zebulon Mack grimly. "If I wasn't it's precious little rent I'd get in."
The outlook for the Fentons was dark indeed.
CHAPTER V. — AN ADVENTURE ON THE TRAIN.
Fred was on board his regular train that same morning at the usual hour, and started on his round of duty. He sold four morning papers, but trade seemed rather dull. About eleven o'clock he went through the first car distributing some packages of candy to the various passengers. On reaching the end of the car he returned, collecting the money for those purchased, and reclaiming those not wanted.
About midway of the car was a man of middle age, with small, insignificant features, and a mean look. He seemed very much absorbed in reading a penny paper when the train boy came up.
"Will you buy the package of candy?" asked Fred.
"What package?" asked the passenger, looking up.
"The one I left with you when I passed through the car."