"I wish I could do something," said Joe. Something about Maurice Vane was very attractive to him. "If you ever hear of these rascals let me know," continued the hotel proprietor. "I will do so," was the reply. With that the conversation on the subject closed. Maurice Vane remained at the hotel overnight and left by the early train on the following morning. CHAPTER XIII. OFF FOR THE CITY. "Joe, our season ends next Saturday." "I know it, Mr. Mallison." "We are going to close the house on Tuesday. It won't pay to keep open after our summer boarders leave." "I know that, too." "Have you any idea what you intend to do?" went on the hotel proprietor. He was standing down by the dock watching Joe clean out one of the boats. "I'm thinking of going to Philadelphia." "On a visit?" "No, sir, to try my luck." "Oh, I see. It's a big city, my lad." "I know it, but, somehow, I feel I might do better there than in such a town as this,--and I am getting tired of hanging around the lake." "There is more money in Philadelphia than there is here, that is certain, Joe. But you can't always get hold of it. The big cities are crowded with people trying to obtain situations." "I'm sure I can find something to do, Mr. Mallison. And, by the way, when I leave, will you give me a written recommendation?"