As Harry passed, the old man called out:
“Stop a minute, boy!”
Harry stopped, and waited respectfully to learn what the old man wanted. It is a common complaint that most boys are wanting in respect to old age, but this charge could not be brought against Harry, who was uniformly courteous to all persons older than himself.
Though he suspected the old man to be very poor, it made no difference to him.
“Can you tell me where Mr. Ross lives?” asked the stranger.
“Yes, sir. I suppose you mean Colonel Ross?”
“I believe that’s what they call him. His wife is my niece.”
Harry was very much surprised to hear this.
“Have you ever been there before, sir?” asked Harry.
“No; I’ve been living out in Illinoy. But I’m getting old, and my only daughter died last month. So I’ve come here to visit my niece.”