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diff --git a/old/60970-0.txt b/old/60970-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index cf996c9..0000000 --- a/old/60970-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9758 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben Bruce, by Horatio Alger - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Ben Bruce - Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy - -Author: Horatio Alger - -Illustrator: J. Watson Davis - -Release Date: December 20, 2019 [EBook #60970] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN BRUCE *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: “Why, Ben, how came you here?” and looking up Ben -recognized his cousin Adelbert.--Page 58. _Ben Bruce._] - - - - - BEN BRUCE. - - SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A - BOWERY NEWSBOY. - - BY HORATIO ALGER, JR., - - _Author of “Joe’s Luck,” “Tom the Bootblack,” “Dan the - Newsboy,” “The Errand Boy,” etc., etc._ - - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY J. WATSON DAVIS. - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, - PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - - Copyright, 1892, by FRANK A. MUNSEY. - - Copyright, 1901, by A. L. BURT. - - BEN BRUCE. - By HORATIO ALGER, JR. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. BEN AND HIS STEPFATHER 1 - - II. BEN WITNESSES AN EXPLOSION 9 - - III. MR. WINTER’S SAVINGS BANK 13 - - IV. AN EXCITING ENCOUNTER 21 - - V. A MIDNIGHT CALL 29 - - VI. A DISAPPOINTED BURGLAR 34 - - VII. BEN FORMS A SUDDEN DETERMINATION 42 - - VIII. BEN ARRIVES IN BOSTON 51 - - IX. BEN BECOMES A HERO 60 - - X. BEN DINES IN MT. VERNON STREET 68 - - XI. BEN HAS A NARROW ESCAPE 76 - - XII. A NEW ACQUAINTANCE 84 - - XIII. BEN IS INTRODUCED TO A POET 93 - - XIV. THINGS AT WRAYBURN 102 - - XV. BEN GETS EMPLOYMENT 111 - - XVI. BEN VISITS MR. SIMPSON 120 - - XVII. RIVALS IN BUSINESS 129 - - XVIII. REHEARSING 133 - - XIX. BEN MAKES HIS DÉBUT 146 - - XX. BEN’S LETTER HOME 155 - - XXI. BEN MEETS WITH A LOSS 164 - - XXII. GEORGE GRAYSON COMES TO GRIEF 173 - - XXIII. A STRANGE ADVENTURE 177 - - XXIV. BEN PLAYS A PART 181 - - XXV. THE MYSTERY DEEPENS 189 - - XXVI. BEN’S STRANGE PROSPERITY 198 - - XXVII. MRS. HARCOURT’S SUDDEN RESOLUTION 206 - - XXVIII. BEN MAKES SOME TITLED FRIENDS 215 - - XXIX. THE MORDAUNT FAMILY 223 - - XXX. BEN’S PROGRESS 231 - - XXXI. UNWELCOME NEWS 239 - - XXXII. JACOB WINTER 247 - - XXXIII. A STARTLING INCIDENT 255 - - XXXIV. MRS. HARCOURT’S LETTER 263 - - XXXV. BASIL WENTWORTH REACHES GENEVA 271 - - XXXVI. MR. SNODGRASS SUGGESTS AN INVESTMENT 280 - - XXXVII. FRANK MORDAUNT 288 - - XXXVIII. BEN OVERHEARS AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION 294 - - XXXIX. BEN CONSULTS A LAWYER 300 - - XL. CONCLUSION 309 - - - - -BEN BRUCE: - -SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A BOWERY NEWSBOY. - -CHAPTER I. - -BEN AND HIS STEPFATHER. - - -“Come here, you, sir!” - -These words were spoken in a stern voice by Jacob Winter, and -emphasized by a heavy frown. The speaker was rather an undersized man, -with a rugged, weather-beaten face. He had seen but fifty years, though -his wrinkles and bowed shoulders indicated ten more. - -The boy addressed had a bright, intelligent face and a fearless look. -Ben Bruce detected the danger signals in the tone and face of his -stepfather, but without a sign of hesitation he walked up to the -farmer, and responded, “Here I am, sir.” - -The man seemed aching to lay hold of the fearless boy, but something in -his steadfast look appeared to deter him. - -“Ain’t you ashamed of yourself, sir?” exploded Jacob Winters. - -“Please let me know what I am to be ashamed of, Mr. Winter.” - -“Ez if you didn’t know,” ejaculated Jacob. - -“I don’t know.” - -“Then I’ll tell you. Yesterday when I was away drivin’ your mother to -the sewin’ circle two tramps came to the door, and you took it upon -yourself to give ’em a loaf of bread and a pint of milk. Deny it if you -dare!” - -“I don’t deny it,” answered Ben boldly. - -“You don’t!” - -“No, why should I?” - -“That’s the way my substance is wasted on the shiftless and -undeservin’!” - -“Mr. Winter, the two tramps, as you call them, were hungry, thin, -and miserable. The man looked as if he had just got up from a fit of -sickness. The boy was about ten and looked pale and famished. Wouldn’t -you have given them something if you had been in my place?” - -“No, I wouldn’t,” snarled Jacob. - -“Then it seems to me you are the one that ought to feel ashamed.” - -“What? what?” gasped Jacob, aghast. “You dare to stand there, Benjamin -Bruce, and tell me to my face that I’d ought to be ashamed. You a mere -boy, and I your stepfather!” - -“I can’t help it if you are my stepfather. I’m sorry enough for it. If -my mother had taken my advice she wouldn’t have married you.” - -“Wuss and wuss!” ejaculated Jacob. “I didn’t know you was such a bad -boy. You’ll come to the gallows some day, see if you don’t!” - -“Look here, Mr. Winter; you call yourself a Christian, don’t you?” - -“Of course I do. I’ve been a member of the church for nine and thirty -years.” - -“And you believe in the Bible, don’t you?” - -“I won’t answer your impudent question.” - -“Yet,” continued Ben, “you blame me for feeding the hungry.” - -“You fed ’em with my provisions,” snarled Jacob. - -“Well, I’ll make it up to you. I’ll go without my supper.” - -“You’ve a mighty independent way of talkin’, Benjamin Bruce, you that I -feed and clothe.” - -“I do work enough to pay for my keeping, Mr. Winter. Besides, you -forget that you have got my mother’s money, which if she hadn’t married -you would have been part mine.” - -Jacob Winter winced. It was true that Mrs. Bruce had brought him two -thousand dollars, which he had coolly deposited to his own account in a -savings bank. - -“That ain’t any of your business,” he said. “Now go out and feed -the cows, and mind you don’t throw away any of my substance agin on -beggars.” - -Ben left the room without a reply, but his lip curled, for he -thoroughly despised his stepfather for his meanness. - -On the way to the barn he fell in with his mother, who was returning -from the village. - -“What’s the matter, Ben?” she said, for she saw signs of disturbance in -her son’s face. - -“I have had a little conversation with Mr. Winter.” - -“Did he--scold you?” - -“Yes, because I gave some bread and milk to two poor people who called -at the door yesterday. Mother, if there’s a mean man in the world, it -is Jacob Winter.” - -“Hush, Ben! Don’t speak so of your stepfather.” - -“Mother, why did you marry him? Why did you make him my stepfather?” - -Mrs. Winter looked troubled. - -“I--I thought it was for the best, Ben,” she faltered. “We had so -little, and he was rich.” - -“Then you didn’t marry him from affection?” - -“No, no; he understood that.” - -“I am glad of that, mother. You made a mistake.” - -“It may be so, but I must make the best of it.” - -“We could have got along on what money you had and what I could earn, -and we should have been far happier by ourselves, mother.” - -“Don’t say any more. The past cannot be recalled.” - -“You mustn’t blame me if I don’t stay here very long, mother. I can’t -stand Mr. Winter and his mean, tyrannical ways.” - -“Oh, Ben, you wouldn’t go away and leave me?” - -“If I do it will only be that I may get on in the world, and offer you -a better home than you have now.” - -“But you are only a boy, only fifteen years old. You must stay here -till you have got an education. You have graduated from the grammar -school, and are now ready for the high school.” - -“I don’t think Mr. Winter will allow me to go.” - -“Why do you say that?” - -“Because Albert Graham heard Mr. Winter tell his father that he thought -I had education enough, and he was going to keep me at home to work on -the farm.” - -“Are you sure of that?” asked Mrs. Winter in agitation. - -“Yes; I know Albert wouldn’t say so if it wasn’t so.” - -“But he promised me when we married that you should have a good -education.” - -“He doesn’t always keep his promises.” - -“If he hadn’t agreed to this I wouldn’t have married him.” - -“Then I wish he hadn’t agreed to it. You will see that I am right. Next -Monday the high school will begin its term.” - -“Why don’t you go and fodder the cows, as I told you?” came in a shrill -voice from an open window. - -Mother and son looked toward it and saw the frowning face of Jacob -Winter peering out. - -“I was talking to my mother,” answered Ben. - -“You’d better wait till you have more time,” growled the farmer. - -Ben did not reply, but went on his way to the barn, while Mrs. Winter -entered the house. - -“Mrs. Winter,” said her husband fretfully, “that boy of yours is -gettin’ very impudent and sassy.” - -“I hadn’t observed it,” she answered coldly. - -“You’re his mother, and you think he’s an angel.” - -“There are no angels in this house, Mr. Winter,” said his wife -significantly. - -“Is that meant as a personal reflection on me, Mrs. Winter?” - -“No more than on myself.” - -“Well, well, I am glad you didn’t mean any offense. But I’m serious -about Ben. I’ve left him in your hands too long. I’m goin’ to manage -him myself now.” - -“Then, Mr. Winter, I have one thing to say. Ben is not a bad boy, but -he has spirit, and if you undertake to drive him he will be sure to -rebel.” - -“You needn’t worry about that, Mrs. W. He ain’t nothing but a boy, and -if I can’t manage him I’ll give up.” - -“He may be nothing but a boy, but he has his rights. You must bear in -mind your promise to me before we married.” - -“What promise do you refer to, Mrs. W.?” - -“That he should have an education.” - -“Well, ain’t he been to school ever since, and now he’s gradooated.” - -“At the grammar school. He is now ready for the high school.” - -“He ain’t a-goin’ to the high school.” - -“Do you mean that, Mr. Winter?” said his wife with an angry flush upon -her cheek. - -“Certainly I do. He’s got to work on the farm. He knows all he need to. -He’s as well eddicated as I am.” - -“I admit that, but----” - -“Say no more, Mrs. W. I’ve put my foot down, and the thing is settled. -He shan’t go to the high school.” - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -BEN WITNESSES AN EXPLOSION. - - -After attending to his chores, Ben decided to take a walk--not in the -direction of the village, but away from it. A quarter of a mile to the -westward there was a river with a rapid current which had yielded Ben -plenty of enjoyment in the way of fishing and boating. - -Across from shore to shore was a dam, by means of which the water was -made available for a factory for the manufacture of leather board. The -superintendent of this factory, a Mr. Foster, was one of Ben’s special -friends. - -Ben overtook the superintendent sauntering along beside the river. - -“How are you, Ben?” said the superintendent kindly. - -“Very well, thank you, Mr. Foster.” - -“You are going to the high school next term, I suppose.” - -“I expected to do so, but I am likely to be disappointed.” - -“How is that?” - -“My stepfather, Jacob Winter, is not in favor of my going.” - -“What is his reason?” - -“I suppose he wants me to work on the farm.” - -“And you don’t like farming?” - -“No. I hope you won’t think I don’t like work, Mr. Foster, for I enjoy -nothing better; but to work on a farm, and especially under Mr. Winter, -would be very disagreeable to me.” - -“How would you like to work in the factory?” - -“Much better than on the farm, but I will say frankly that I have not -secured the education which I desire, and I shall be much disappointed -if I can’t go to the high school.” - -“You were always fond of study, Ben. My boys don’t care much for it. -Well, I suppose tastes differ. Have you ever thought of your future?” - -“I have thought of it a good deal. A good many things will be open to -me if I am well educated, which would otherwise be closed to me.” - -“I see, and I understand why you want a better education.” - -“I am not likely to get it, however. If the choice lies between working -on a farm and working in your factory, I will work for you if I can -get the chance. The wages I got would hire a boy to work on the farm, -and there are boys who would be willing to do it.” - -“We employ about thirty at present, but I could make room for a boy of -your age and ability. What pay would you want?” - -“It is for you to fix that.” - -“I might give you five dollars a week to begin with.” - -“That would be satisfactory. Would I be preparing myself for higher -work?” - -“Yes, I would put you in the way of that.” - -“I would certainly rather work for you than for Mr. Winter.” - -“I am to consider that a compliment, I suppose?” - -“Yes, but not much of a one. Any one would be better than Jacob Winter.” - -“Man proposes, but God disposes.” Even while they were talking unseen -forces were at work which were to defeat all their plans. Suddenly, as -they stood on the river bank, a strange rumbling noise was heard, and -before their astonished eyes there rose into the air fragments of wood -mingled with stones and dirt, like a volcanic eruption. - -“Good Heavens!” exclaimed the superintendent in great excitement, “the -dam has been undermined and blown up!” - -“But how?” - -“It must be by dynamite or giant powder.” - -“But who could have done it?” - -“I dismissed two workmen two weeks since. They must have done it from -revenge.” - -“And what will be the consequence?” - -“The factory must shut down till the dam is rebuilt.” - -“And then ends my hopes of employment under you?” - -“I am sorry to say--yes.” - -“I wish that were all the harm likely to come of it. Will it take long -to repair the dam?” - -“A good while, I fear.” - -“At any rate, one thing I am resolved upon. I won’t work for Mr. -Winter. I will run away first.” - -Ben’s face assumed a look of resolution as he left the superintendent -and wended his way back to the farmhouse. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -MR. WINTER’S SAVINGS BANK. - - -There was very little conversation at the supper table after Ben -had told the story of the explosion. Mrs. Winter was indignant at -her husband’s breaking his promise to her that Ben should receive a -thorough education. She had not yet had an opportunity to tell Ben, -but she did so after the meal, when Mr. Winter had gone out to visit a -neighbor. - -“Ben,” she said, “you are not to go to the high school.” - -“Who says so, mother?” - -“Mr. Winter.” - -“Does he give any reason?” - -“He says you have had education enough, that you are as well educated -as himself.” - -“Did he say _educated_?” asked Ben with a twinkle in his eye. - -“Well, he said ‘eddicated,’” responded his mother with a faint smile. - -“So, I suppose. He is right there. I should be very sorry if I hadn’t -as much education as he. He cares more for money than books, and -always did.” - -“I am very sorry, Ben.” - -“So am I. I need education to help me succeed in life. I suppose he -expects me to stay at home and help him on the farm.” - -“So he says.” - -“Then,” said Ben quietly, “he will be disappointed.” - -“But Ben, what can you do?” - -“I can leave home and seek my fortune elsewhere.” - -Mrs. Winter looked very sober. - -“I don’t believe you know what you are undertaking, Ben,” she said. -“You will have a hard time.” - -“I expect to--at first.” - -“Besides Mr. Winter won’t let you go, I am afraid.” - -“He can’t stop me. I would rather stay at home if he would let me go to -the high school.” - -“I don’t think I can persuade him to do that.” - -“Then, mother, I must leave you.” - -“Don’t go without letting me know.” - -“I won’t, mother, I will let him know too. I am not going to run away. -I’ll give him fair warning of my intention. Now, mother, if you’ll -excuse me I’ll go over and tell Albert Graham about my plans.” - -Albert lived not more than half a mile away. He was about as old as -Ben, but at least two inches shorter. The two were great chums. To him -Ben communicated his purpose. - -“Where do you talk of going?” asked Albert. - -“To New York.” - -“Ain’t you afraid to go alone to such a big city?” - -“No; why should I be?” - -“There are a good many bad people there, I’ve heard.” - -“And still more good people. I think I shall have a better chance in a -large city than in the country.” - -“How far away is New York?” - -“It is a little more than two hundred miles from Boston.” - -“And we are fifty miles from Boston. Won’t it cost a good deal to go -there?” - -“No; there is a rivalry between the steamboat lines and the fare has -been put down to one dollar.” - -This statement, which may surprise some of my readers, was strictly -correct. For a short time, some years ago, it was possible to travel -between these two cities for this small sum. - -“It will cost a dollar and a quarter to get to Boston from here.” - -“I know it.” - -“Are you well provided with money, Ben?” - -“Not very.” - -“Then I tell you what I’ll do. I’ll lend you five dollars.” - -“But how do you happen to have as much, Albert?” - -“You know I rode as a jockey at the last agricultural fair. I was to -get ten dollars if I succeeded in winning the race, and you know I did -win.” - -“Yes, I know.” - -“So I can lend you the money as well as not.” - -“You are a good fellow, Albert, but I don’t think I ought to take the -money.” - -“Oh, you can pay it back--with interest, if you insist upon it.” - -“Thank you, Albert. I won’t refuse so kind an offer. My mother would -let me have the money, but she was foolish enough when she married to -give all she had to Mr. Winter, and now he doles her out a quarter at -a time, and she has to ask for that. You won’t hardly believe me, -Albert, but she hasn’t had a new dress for a year.” - -“I can believe it fast enough. Jacob Winter is the meanest man I ever -heard of, and everybody in town says so. I don’t blame you at all for -leaving him. Won’t you be sorry to be away from your mother?” - -“I can’t tell you how much I shall miss her, Albert,” answered Ben, -gravely, “but I hope to provide her a better home some day. I can’t do -it by staying here. You must go over and see her some time, Albert.” - -“So I will. Of course you will write to me.” - -“Yes, if I have any good news.” - -“By the way, Ben, how much money did your mother have?” - -“Two thousand dollars.” - -“And she handed it all over to old Winter? Excuse my speaking so -disrespectfully of your stepfather.” - -“That won’t worry me any.” - -“I suppose Mr. Winter is worth a good deal of money?” - -“I suppose so, but I don’t want any of it. I only wish mother had back -what she brought him and could go with me to New York.” - -“By the way, Ben, have you any idea what Mr. Winter does with his -money?” - -“I suppose he puts it in the banks. I never thought much about the -matter.” - -“Probably he does put some there, but I heard that he was rather afraid -of banks. Some years ago a savings bank failed and he lost fifty -dollars, so I heard.” - -“That accounts for it.” - -“Accounts for what?” - -“For what I am going to tell you. Last Wednesday evening I was crossing -the four-acre lot--a part of Mr. Winter’s farm--when I saw him coming -across the field with a box in his hand. It was rather dark, so he -could not see me very well, for you know he is short-sighted. - -“I had a curiosity to find out what he was going to do, so I followed -him. Oh, I forgot to say that he had a spade in his hand. Well, when he -got to the big oak tree about the center of the place he halted. There -was a smaller tree near by, and I hid behind it so I could see what he -was doing.” - -“What did he do?” asked Ben, who was by this time intensely interested. - -“He began to dig, and kept on till he had dug a hole about two feet -deep. Then he took the box and put it down in the hole and covered it -up with dirt. After finishing he got a little brushwood and laid it -down careless like over the spot so as to hide the dirt, and then went -away, without knowing that any one had seen him.” - -“What do you think was in the box, Albert?” asked Ben, in excitement. - -“Money,” answered Albert, sententiously. “It may have been gold or -silver or bills. I didn’t see the contents of the box and so of course -I can’t tell.” - -“It seems to me he was very foolish to put his money there.” - -“So I think, but he was scared by the failure of the savings bank and -was afraid to trust them any more.” - -“The money would be safer in any savings bank than in a hole where -anybody could dig it up.” - -“That’s the way I feel about it. I wonder if that is the only hiding -place he has for his gold.” - -“Albert, when it gets a little darker suppose we go out to see the -place. I feel some curiosity on the subject.” - -“All right, Ben, I’ll go. Just go round to the store with me. I have a -few things to buy for mother. Then we’ll start across the fields.” - -“All right.” - -When they reached Albert’s house from the store it was too early for -their expedition. So Albert proposed a game of checkers. They played -two, and when the second was completed the church clock pealed out the -hour of nine. - -“We must go at once or it will be too late,” said Ben. - -“It isn’t very far.” - -They went out of the house and struck across the fields. - -“This is just about the hour I came last Wednesday evening,” said -Albert. - -They neared the tree, when suddenly Albert uttered an exclamation: - -“By gracious, Ben,” he said, clutching his companion by the arm, “if -there isn’t old Winter coming again. He hasn’t got a box, but he has -a spade in his hand. I wonder what he’s up to now. Come with me, and -we’ll get behind the other tree and watch. Don’t cough or make any -noise. We don’t want him to see us.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -AN EXCITING ENCOUNTER. - - -From their place of concealment the two boys watched attentively. They -were rather mystified as to Mr. Winter’s intentions. It occurred to -them, however, that he might have in his pocket some gold coins to add -to the hoard underneath. - -At any rate he began to dig, occasionally pausing to rest, for he was -not very robust, and the labor of digging affected his back. - -At last he reached the box, and getting down on his knees, pulled it -out of the hole. - -He raised the cover and began to count the contents. These contents -consisted entirely of gold pieces. - -In a low voice, which, however, was audible to the boys, he counted -“Ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine.” - -Then in an alarmed tone he added: “There’s one short. There ought to be -a hundred, making five hundred dollars--can any one have found the box -and taken one out? I’ll count again.” - -Once more he counted, and this time he made full number, much to his -relief. - -Then from his vest-pocket he drew out two more gold pieces and added -them to the pile. - -“That makes a hundred and two,” he said in a tone of satisfaction. - -He was preparing to replace the box in its place of concealment when -something unexpected happened. - -An ill-looking fellow, a tramp in appearance, who had crept up without -being observed either by Mr. Winter or the boys, suddenly sprang out -from behind a large tree, and throwing himself upon the old farmer -tried to pull the box from him. - -“Gimme that money, old man!” he cried in a hoarse voice, “or I’ll kill -ye!” - -Jacob Winter uttered a cry of dismay, but he clung to the box. - -“Go away!” he gasped. “It’s my money. I’ll have yer arrested.” - -“Go ahead and do it, but I’ll take the money first.” - -The fellow’s fierce face was distinctly seen by the boys. He was a man -of about thirty, with a coarse sensual look and blotched skin, the -result, doubtless, of intemperate habits. - -[Illustration: An ill-looking fellow suddenly sprang out from behind a -tree and throwing himself upon the old farmer, tried to pull the box -from him.--Page 22. _Ben Bruce._] - -“Go away, you robber!” ejaculated the farmer, clinging to his treasure -with the energy of despair. He was evidently more afraid of losing -that than of receiving bodily injury, though the wicked eyes of his -assailant might well have inspired physical apprehension. - -The conflict was unequal. Mr. Winter was probably sixty years of age, -while his assailant was only half that, and was a larger man in every -way. - -“Look here, old man,” said the tramp, angered by the farmer’s -resistance, “you’d better give up your money or you’ll get hurt!” - -“I’ll send you to jail!” shrieked Jacob Winter. - -“Maybe you will, if I don’t get away too quick,” laughed the tramp. - -“Aren’t you ashamed to rob a poor old man?” - -“Oh, I guess you’ve got some more money. You won’t die in the -poorhouse.” - -By this time the man had got the box into his hands, and now prepared -to walk off with it. - -“Help! help!” shrieked the farmer. - -The tramp laughed. - -“There ain’t no help near,” he said. “Go home and go to bed, and thank -your lucky stars I didn’t brain ye.” - -The two boys had listened in a fever of excitement. Neither liked Jacob -Winter, but all their sympathies were with him. There was something -coarse and repulsive about the tramp, and they could not bear to have -him succeed. - -“Are we going to stand this, Albert?” whispered Ben. - -“No.” - -“Stand by me, and I’ll do what I can.” - -Ben had already espied the spade, and had made up his mind what he -would do with it. - -He sprang out from behind the tree, dashed forward and seized the -implement without being heard by the tramp. With a look toward Albert, -whose help he expected to need, he made another rush forward and -fetched the unsuspecting robber a blow upon the back of his head. - -Though it was a boy’s blow it was a heavy one, and with a cry of dismay -the tramp dropped the box and raised his hand to the injured spot. -Albert ran up, seized the box, and darted back. - -“Wha--what’s all this?” exclaimed the tramp, turning back. - -Knowing nothing of the presence of the boys he was under the impression -that the old man had made the attack. He saw Jacob Winter looking as -much amazed as he felt himself. Then observing the two boys, he quickly -comprehended what had taken place. - -“Why you young cubs!” he cried, his face looking fiercer and more -threatening, “you must be crazy. I’ll kill ye both.” - -He sprang towards Albert Graham, for it was Albert who held the box of -treasure, and was about to make an attack upon him. But he failed to -take account of Ben, who was still armed with the dangerous spade. - -Now Ben’s blood was up, and he was ready to carry on hostilities. He -had no intention of deserting his young comrade. - -He rushed up and dealt the tramp another blow, heavier than the first, -that literally laid him out. He sank to the ground stunned, and -temporarily lost consciousness. - -“Now, Mr. Winter,” said Ben, who seemed naturally to take command, -“take the box and go to the house as quick as you can. I have stunned -the robber, but he’ll come to in a short time and then we shall be in -danger. Albert, come with us.” - -Jacob Winter said nothing, but it was clear that he considered the -advice good. He grasped the box and started for home on a half run, -followed by the two boys. Not a word was said till they reached the -farmyard. - -Then as he stopped to wipe the perspiration from his face, he -ejaculated, “Boys, this is terrible.” - -“So it is,” said Ben, “but we’ve saved the money.” - -“Do you think you--you killed him?” asked Jacob, with a shudder. - -“No, I only stunned him. If I hadn’t we’d have all been in danger.” - -“He’s an awful man--looks as if he’d escaped from State’s prison.” - -“If he hasn’t he’s likely to go there. It’s lucky we were there or -you’d have lost your money.” - -“How did you happen to be there?” asked the farmer, beginning to be -curious. - -“You see Albert and I were taking a walk. He was going to see me part -way home.” - -“You weren’t spying on me, were you?” asked Jacob in a tone of -suspicion. “It kind of looks like that.” - -“No matter what it looks like, Mr. Winter, it was lucky for you that we -were around. That’s all I’ve got to say.” - -“Well, mebbe it was; mebbe it was.” - -“But, Mr. Winter, don’t you think it’s risky putting your money in -such a place? Some one would be sure to find it sooner or later.” - -“I won’t put it there again,” muttered Jacob. “Do you--see anythin’ of -that man? Your eyes are better than mine.” - -“No, I don’t see him. I don’t believe he would dare to follow us as far -as the house.” - -“I’ll go and report him to the constable first thing to-morrow mornin’. -I don’t feel safe with such a man ’round. It’s gettin’ late, Ben. We’d -better be gettin’ to bed.” - -“Albert, won’t you sleep with me to-night? I don’t like to have you go -home alone. You might meet the tramp.” - -“Yes, I guess I’ll stay, Ben. Mother won’t be frightened. She’ll know I -stayed with you.” - -“Yes, Albert, you can stay,” said Jacob with unusual complaisance. -“If--if that terrible man comes in the night there’ll be three of us to -meet him.” - -Usually Mr. Winter did not make any effort to be agreeable to Ben’s -friends, and under ordinary circumstances he would have objected to -Ben’s having a boy stay with him, but fear had softened his asperities -and made him more amiable than usual. - -“Mr. Winter, will you let me take the gun up to my room?” asked Ben. - -“Do you know how to fire it?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -On several occasions when Mr. Winter was away from home Ben had gone -out gunning, and in this way had learned how to manage firearms. -The farmer, however, did not ask any uncomfortable or disagreeable -questions, but asked, “What do you want with the gun, Ben?” - -“I thought the robber might come here in the middle of the night, and I -could fire at him out of the window.” - -“I don’t know as it’s prudent, Ben.” - -“If you would rather fire at him yourself, Mr. Winter, of course I -won’t ask for the gun.” - -“No, no,” said Jacob hastily, “you can take it if you want to. But be -keerful, be keerful!” - -So Ben took the gun and carried it up to the attic chamber where he and -Albert were to sleep. - -“Is it loaded, Ben?” asked Albert. - -“Yes, it’s loaded with bird shot. I don’t want to kill the man, but -I’ll give him a scare.” - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -A MIDNIGHT CALL. - - -Probably no more astonished man lived than the tramp when his -consciousness returned and he found himself lying on his back under the -big oak tree. He lifted himself on his elbow and tried to remember what -had happened. - -“Something struck me,” he said. “What was it and who did it?” - -Even in his half-dazed state it never occurred to him to think of Jacob -Winter as his assailant. - -“Ha! I remember now. It was the boys,” he said after an effort of -memory. “They’ve got twice as much pluck as the old man. But I’d like -to smash ’em for all that. They’ve stepped in between me and a good bit -of money. But I’ll have it yet.” - -The tramp rose to his feet and began to take an inventory of his bodily -disabilities. His head ached and felt sore, and there was a bruise -where he had been hit by the shovel. His limbs were all right, however. - -“I wonder how long I’ve been lying here,” he thought, “and where that -gold is?” - -He was not long in deciding that the farmer had carried the pieces -home. He knew where this was, for he had been lurking about the town -for a couple of days, and had made inquiries. - -“I’d like to get it yet,” he said to himself. “I might break into the -house and carry it off.” - -The more he thought of this the better the plan pleased him. Without -knowing positively he thought it probable that Jacob Winter was the -only man in the house, and for his prowess he felt absolute contempt. - -“I’ll scare him out of his seven senses,” the tramp concluded with an -amused smile. “The man is about as brave as a mouse.” - -Of course it would not be prudent to make the visit he meditated just -yet. Towards twelve o’clock there would be more chance of finding -everybody asleep. - -Now let us go back to the attic room where Ben and Albert Graham were -snugly ensconced in bed. - -“I wonder whether he’ll come,” said Albert. - -“That is uncertain,” returned Ben, “but if he does we must be ready for -him.” - -“The trouble is, I’m terribly sleepy. He might come and rummage all -over the house without my hearing him.” - -“Then I’ll tell you what we’d better do. Do you think you can stay -awake for an hour?” - -“Yes; I can if I set out to.” - -“Then we’ll take turns sleeping. I’ll go to sleep now, and when an hour -has passed you wake me up, and then I’ll keep watch. There’s a clock in -the room, and there are some matches on the washstand in a box, so that -you will know when to call me.” - -“All right! Can you go to sleep right off?” - -“Yes; it won’t take many minutes.” - -In less than five minutes Ben’s quiet breathing was sufficient evidence -that he was in the land of dreams. Albert made a determined effort and -managed to keep awake till he thought an hour must have been passed. - -He got up, lit a match, and found that Ben had been asleep an hour and -a quarter in place of an hour. - -“What’s the matter? Is it morning?” asked Ben drowsily when Albert -shook him. - -“No; but your time is out, and I want to take a nap. You remember you -are to watch for the robber.” - -“All right!” said Ben, now broad awake. “Did I sleep an hour?” - -“An hour and a quarter.” - -“Is that so? It doesn’t seem more than five minutes.” - -“Do you think you can keep awake now, Ben?” - -“Yes; I can keep awake till midnight. If he doesn’t come by that time -he won’t come at all. Then we can sleep, both of us, with an easy mind.” - -Ben had stipulated to sleep first because he felt that the attack would -be more likely to come after half-past ten, when his vigil commenced, -and he preferred to deal directly with the robber himself. - -After Albert was asleep he got up and examined the gun to see if it was -all right. Somehow he did not feel sleepy at all now. He rather hoped -his acquaintance of the fields would come, for he was a boy who was -fond of excitement and adventure. - -It would be a man against a boy, or rather against two boys, for Ben -did not count on much help from his stepfather, but he did not feel -afraid. As Ben is my hero, I am rather pleased to say that, though not -foolhardy, he possessed a good share of courage. - -He lay in bed listening for any noise, but an hour passed before his -attention was roused. Then a little sound as of something touching the -house enlisted his attention. - -He got out of bed and went to the window. It may be remarked that his -room was directly over that occupied by his stepfather. “By gracious!” -he exclaimed under his breath, “I am just in time.” - -A ladder was leaning against the house, and half way up he saw -his antagonist of the fields. The ladder was so placed that the -unauthorized intruder could enter Mr. Winter’s chamber through the open -window. - -“There’s no time to be lost!” thought Ben. “I’ll get the gun.” - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -A DISAPPOINTED BURGLAR. - - -Ben hesitated whether to address the burglar or not before firing the -gun. Certainly the intruder had no claim to a warning, but Ben decided -to be generous and give him the chance to retire in good order. - -Accordingly, half leaning out of the window, he called out: “What do -you want here?” - -The burglar was startled, but looking up and seeing only a boy, he took -courage, and his native impudence asserted itself. - -“Say, kid,” he responded, “where does the old man sleep?” - -“That is none of your business,” answered Ben manfully. - -“You’d better look out, or I’ll give you a lesson. I know well enough. -He sleeps in that room.” - -“What do you want with him?” - -“I want that gold. I am sure it is in his chamber.” - -“Go right down that ladder, or you’ll be sorry.” - -“I’ll throw you out of that window when I get into the house.” - -“I have given you warning. Will you go?” - -“No, I won’t. What do you take me for? You’re the most impudent kid I -ever met.” - -Ben wasted no more words upon the intruder, but, thrusting the muzzle -of the gun out of the window, fired. - -The birdshot took effect in the burglar’s face and neck, and with a -cry of surprise and dismay he lost his grip and dropped to the ground, -upsetting the ladder in his fall. - -At the sound of the discharge Albert awoke, as did also Jacob Winter in -the room below. - -“What’s up, Ben?” cried Albert in excitement, jumping out of bed. - -“I am,” answered Ben coolly, “and now you appear to be.” - -“I mean what has happened?” - -“I’ve shot a burglar.” - -Albert rushed to the window and looked down. So did Jacob Winter, who -was frightened almost out of his wits. - -In a tremor of curiosity and alarm he thrust his head out of the -window, and asked, “Who’s there?” - -It was an unfortunate movement for him. The burglar had risen from the -ground, mad through and through, and eager for revenge. - -He intended first to wreak his vengeance upon Ben, but seeing Mr. -Winter’s protruding head, changed his mind. He picked up a stone and -fired with only too accurate aim. - -The stone hit Jacob Winter in the ear, and the unhappy farmer, with a -terrified cry, fell back from the window and lay down on the floor. - -“What’s the matter, Mr. Winter?” asked his wife. - -“I’m killed!” answered the farmer in agonizing tones, clapping his hand -to his injured organ. “The tramp has shot me.” - -He was too bewildered to observe that the burglar had no weapon, and -really believed for the moment that he had been shot. - -Mrs. Winter hastily lit the kerosene lamp and went to the help of her -husband. - -“Where were you hit?” she asked. - -“Here!” answered her husband in a hollow voice. “The bullet must have -gone to my brain.” - -“What’s this?” she asked, picking up a pebble. “This isn’t a bullet.” - -“What is it?” he asked. - -“Its only a pebble,” she answered. “You have been hit with a stone.” - -“It almost killed me,” said Jacob, but he felt reassured. - -“Who did it?” - -“It’s that tramp, the man that tried to steal my gold.” - -At this moment there was a knock at the door. - -“There he is!” cried Jacob in fresh alarm. “He’s got into the house and -is forcing his way into the chamber.” - -“The door is bolted,” said his wife, “but I don’t think it can be the -robber.” - -But Jacob Winter could not so readily give up the idea. - -“Go away, you, sir!” he called out in quavering tones. “Go away or I’ll -have you arrested.” - -“It’s only I, Mr. Winter,” said a young voice outside. - -“It’s Ben.” - -Feeling relieved, Mr. Winter himself opened the door. - -“Did you fire the gun, Ben?” he asked. - -“Yes, Mr. Winter. The robber had the ladder up against the house, and -was going to get into your window.” - -“Where is he now? This is terrible!” groaned the farmer. - -“I peppered him with the gun, and I guess he’s gone off.” - -“He fired a rock at me. He ought to have fired it at you. I wasn’t the -one that shot him.” - -“Is this the rock?” asked Ben, picking up the pebble with a smile. - -“Yes.” - -“It ain’t very large.” - -“Neither is a bullet, but it hurts me awfully. Are you sure that man’s -gone?” - -“I’ll go to the window and see.” - -Ben went to the open window and looked out. By the partial light he -could see the baffled burglar in full retreat several hundred feet -distant. - -“He’s gone, Mr. Winter. That is, he’s going.” - -“He may come back. Where is the ladder?” - -“Outside on the ground where it fell.” - -“He may come back and try to climb up again. You’d better go out and -take it to the barn.” - -“But the man might come back and hurt Ben,” said Mrs. Winter anxiously. - -“Don’t be afraid, mother. I’ll take the gun with me, and Albert will -come and help me.” - -“Yes, yes, go, there’s a good boy!” said Jacob, who was afraid his wife -might expect him to go himself. The very thought made him shudder. - -Ben smiled a little at his stepfather’s evident alarm, but had no -thought of refusing the service asked of him. Indeed he wanted to go -out. - -“Come down, Albert!” he called at the foot of the attic stairs. “I want -you to help me take away the ladder.” - -“I’ll be down in a jiffy,” said Albert. - -The two boys descended the stairs and went out into the yard. They -picked up the ladder and carried it to the barn, in which they placed -it. - -“This is a regular lark!” said Albert. “I wouldn’t have missed it for a -dollar. How does Mr. Winter take it?” - -“He’s scared out of his wits.” - -“It’s lucky there were two able-bodied men on hand,” said Albert with a -comical look, “or the house would have been robbed. Has Mr. Winter got -the gold in his room?” - -“Yes; I saw the box standing in one corner.” - -“It’s lucky for us we ain’t rich. We needn’t be afraid of burglars.” - -At the breakfast table Mrs. Winter said, “I do hope, Mr. Winter, you’ll -take that gold to the bank. We don’t want any more midnight callers.” - -“So I will,” answered her husband, with unwonted meekness, “but--but -suppose the robber should stop me on the way.” - -The savings bank was in the next town. - -“Take me with you, Mr. Winter,” suggested Ben. “I guess you and I will -be more than a match for the robber.” - -“I don’t know but I will, Ben,” said Jacob, relieved at the suggestion. -“Of course you are only a boy, but----” - -“I can hold the horse while you are fighting the robber,” put in Ben, -his eyes twinkling with suppressed fun. - -“That’s so,” said Jacob, coughing, but he looked a little alarmed at -the suggestion. - -“Shall I take the gun with me?” - -“Well, perhaps you may as well. What will you carry the gold in?” - -“There’s an empty butter keg in the shed,” said Mrs. Winter. - -“We’ll put the money in that, and people will think it’s a keg of -butter,” remarked Ben. - -“That’s a good plan. Be sure to load the gun before you set out.” - -“I’ve attended to that already, Mr. Winter.” - -Soon after breakfast the buggy came around to the door and Ben and his -stepfather got in, the latter carrying the keg with its important -contents. - -They reached the next town, only five miles away, and drove at once to -the savings bank. - -“I don’t know as the bank is safe,” said Jacob Winter, “but it’s better -to have my money here than where robbers can get at it.” - -“I agree with you, Mr. Winter.” - -The money was handed to the receiving teller of the savings bank, and -Jacob received a bank book, which he put into his pocket with a sigh of -relief. In the bank Ben picked up a copy of a Boston daily paper, and -read the following paragraph: - - The low price of tickets to New York since the last cut of the - steamboat lines has greatly increased the volume of travel. - There are few who cannot afford the journey, now that the fare - has been reduced to one dollar. - -“Only one dollar to New York!” thought Ben. “Now is my time to go, if -ever!” - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -BEN FORMS A SUDDEN DETERMINATION. - - -Jacob Winter felt, though he hardly liked to confess it, that but for -Ben he would have been the loser of five hundred dollars. He was not -a liberal man, but he determined to make some acknowledgment of his -stepson’s services. - -Accordingly, when he had returned from the savings bank, he drew a -twenty-five cent piece from his pocket and handed it to Ben with the -remark: “Benjamin, you have behaved very well. Here is a quarter for -you. Be keerful not to spend it foolishly.” - -Ben was considerably surprised. It was the first gift he ever -remembered to have received from his stepfather, and he hardly knew -whether to be amused or grateful. - -If he accepted it, he knew that Mr. Winter would feel that he had -squared up his obligations. But Ben preferred to leave the matter open. -So he quickly decided not to accept the money. - -“Thank you, Mr. Winter,” he said, “but I would rather not take it.” - -“You refuse money!” exclaimed Jacob in amazement. - -“Yes, sir. I only did my duty.” - -“I guess you’d better take it. Quarters don’t grow on every bush.” - -“They don’t for me, Mr. Winter,” said Ben smiling. “I’m just as much -obliged, but I would rather not take any money for what I’ve done. It -was good fun.” - -“Good fun!” ejaculated his stepfather. “It isn’t my idea of fun to have -a ruffian try to rob me.” - -“Well, he didn’t make much out of his attempt. I don’t care for the -money, Mr. Winter, but I’ll ask something else instead.” - -“What is it?” asked Jacob cautiously. - -“I want to leave the farm and go to New York.” - -“Go to New York! You--a mere boy! What do you want to go to New York -for?” - -“I want to get work.” - -“There’s plenty of work here, Benjamin.” - -“I know there is, but it isn’t the kind I like. I should never be a -successful farmer.” - -“It wasn’t exactly the farmin’ business I meant to put you to.” - -“What then?” asked Ben, whose turn it was to be surprised. - -“Silas Flack has made an offer to take you and teach you the shoemakin’ -business. I did at first think of havin’ you work on the farm, but I -guess you might as well learn the shoemakin’?” - -“When did he make the offer, Mr. Winter?” - -“Day afore yesterday.” - -“And why didn’t you speak to me about it before?” - -“You’re too young to know what’s good for yourself.” - -“But I have no wish to learn shoemaking.” - -“Boys like you don’t seem to realize that they must earn their livin’.” - -“I am ready to earn my living, but I want to have something to say -about the way I am to earn it. I intend to make my living in New York.” - -“I can’t let you go. I’ve given my word to Silas Flack.” - -Ben was exasperated, but they had reached the farm, and he concluded to -take a short time to think over his stepfather’s proposal. One thing -he determined upon, and that was to see Mr. Flack and find out what -negotiations had passed between the shoemaker and Mr. Winter. - -In the middle of the afternoon, being sent on an errand, he went a -little out of his way to visit Silas Flack’s shop. It was a tiny -place, for Silas did business only in a small way. Entering the shop he -began: - -“Good day, Mr. Flack.” - -“Good day, Ben,” answered the shoemaker, resting his eye approvingly on -Ben’s sturdy frame and bright, honest face. - -“I called to see what proposal you made to Mr. Winter about me,” said -Ben abruptly. “You promised to teach me the business, didn’t you?” - -“Yes; I agreed to take you till you were twenty-one.” - -“And Mr. Winter thought favorable of it, did he?” - -“Yes; he said you might come.” - -“What benefit is Mr. Winter to get out of it?” asked Ben. - -“How old be you now?” - -“Fifteen.” - -“Well, I agreed to take care of you till you were twenty-one, and pay -him fifty dollars a year over and above for your services. Seems to me -that’s a fair offer.” - -“Oho!” thought Ben, “now I understand. It’s the fifty dollars a year -that Jacob Winter is after. Money is his idol, and he expects to make -about three hundred dollars out of me.” - -“Did Mr. Winter tell you I would come?” he asked after a pause. - -“Yes; he said it struck him favorable.” - -“But I don’t like the business, Mr. Flack.” - -“That’s only a boy’s idee. You may as well make your livin’ that way as -any other.” - -“When did Mr. Winter say I could begin?” - -“The first week in September.” - -“That’s the time the high school commences. I was expecting to attend -there.” - -“Jacob Winter thinks you’ve got eddication enough. You’ve got as much -as he or I.” - -“Didn’t you ever think you would like to know more than you do, Mr. -Flack?” - -“What’s the good? I know enough for my business, and I’m gen’rally -respected in town. I’ve been selec’man once, and I’m overseer of the -poor now.” - -Ben smiled. He saw that Mr. Flack was well satisfied with his success -in life, but he felt within himself yearnings and aspirations which -probably were unknown to the shoemaker. - -“Well, good day, Mr. Flack!” he said after a brief pause. - -“Good day, Ben! I guess you and me will get along well. I’ve heard that -you are good to work, and I’ll do the right thing by you. Besides what -I promised your stepfather, I’ll give you a new suit of clothes when -you are twenty-one, and after that you can get good wages, as much as a -dollar-fifty per day likely.” - -“I’ll think over what you have said, Mr. Flack,” said Ben gravely. - -He turned and left the shop. He felt that he had reached an important -point in his life. He resented the utter selfishness which actuated -his stepfather in thus mapping out his future life, dooming him to an -uncongenial occupation for the paltry sum of fifty dollars a year paid -to himself. - -Had Jacob Winter been a poor man, there would have been some excuse for -his course, but he was far from being poor. There were no very rich men -in Wrayburn, but he was one of the most prominent in the amount of his -worldly possessions. - -Moreover, he had managed to get into his possession the two thousand -dollars belonging to his mother. And it was for a paltry fifty dollars -a year that Ben was to be deprived of the advantages of a high-school -education. - -“It’s a shame!” he cried hotly. - -“What’s a shame, Ben?” - -Turning around Ben recognized in the speaker his friend, Albert Graham. - -“Was I speaking aloud?” Ben asked. - -“Yes, and with considerable emphasis. What is it all about?” - -“I find my precious stepfather has agreed to bind me apprentice to -Silas Flack, the shoemaker, in consideration of fifty dollars a year -paid to him annually till I am twenty-one.” - -“You don’t mean it, Ben?” - -“Yes, it’s true. Mr. Winter told me himself, though he didn’t speak of -the fifty dollars. That was told me by Mr. Flack.” - -“I don’t wonder you call it a shame,” said Albert warmly. - -“That is why Mr. Winter isn’t willing to have me attend the high -school; that wouldn’t bring him in any money.” - -“I see. Have you told your mother about it yet?” - -“No, but I shall as soon as I go home.” - -“Then you are to grow up a shoemaker, Ben?” - -“Not much,” exclaimed Ben decidedly. “Mr. Winter hasn’t got my consent.” - -“What will you do?” - -“Go to New York.” - -“Won’t he try to stop you?” - -“Perhaps so,” said Ben quietly, “but I shall go all the same.” - -“Well, I can’t blame you, Ben. You weren’t cut out for a shoemaker.” - -“Nor for a farmer either. I feel that I must take the responsibility -into my own hands.” - -“When are you going to start and what are your plans?” - -“I shall start as soon as I can. I find that I can go to New York from -Boston for a dollar, and I shall never have any better chance.” - -“You will take the five dollars I offered you, Ben?” - -“Yes, Albert, as a loan, and thank you for your friendly aid. If ever I -can do you a favor I will.” - -In reply Albert held out his hand, and the two boys interchanged a -hearty grasp. - -“Well, Ben, you have my best wishes, you know that. You will be sure to -write me?” - -“Yes, Albert. I will write to you and to my mother.” - -Ben had a conference with his mother and obtained her consent to his -plan. She was as angry as he at the cold-blooded selfishness of her -husband. - -“I don’t know whether it’s best or not, Ben,” she said, “but there -seems to be no other way. I begin to see my folly now in marrying Jacob -Winter.” - -“In a few years, mother, I hope you can leave him and come to live with -me.” - -The next morning when Mr. Winter went up to Ben’s attic chamber to call -him, he found that the bird had flown. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -BEN ARRIVES IN BOSTON. - - -Jacob Winter came bounding down-stairs angry and bewildered. He sought -out his wife in the kitchen. - -“What has become of Ben?” he demanded abruptly. - -Mrs. Winter turned and surveyed her husband calmly. - -“Why do you ask?” she inquired. - -“Because I went up to call him just now and found that his bed had not -been slept in. Do you think he went over to sleep with Albert Graham?” - -“He said nothing to me about going.” - -“If he went without leave I will give him a sound thrashing.” - -“Threats are cheap, Mr. Winter,” said his wife with something of -contempt in her voice. - -“What do you think has become of the boy, Mrs. W.?” - -“Probably he has gone away.” - -“But where?” - -“He found out yesterday that you had apprenticed him without his -permission to Silas Flack.” - -“He found out because I told him so.” - -“Very well, he has no taste for shoemaking.” - -“Or for any other kind of work.” - -“That is not true, Mr. Winter, and you know it. Ben is industrious, but -he wants to be consulted about his occupation.” - -“Why, isn’t shoemaking a good business?” - -“It is--for some, but Ben doesn’t like it. What put it into your mind -to select that business for Ben?” - -“I thought he would make a good living at it.” - -“And that was all?” - -“Wasn’t that enough?” - -“Ben learned that you intended to make money out of him. Mr. Flack -was to pay you fifty dollars a year for his services, and this you -intended to put into your own pocket. That was your object in making -the arrangement.” - -“I only did what I had a right to do. But you haven’t told me where the -boy is.” - -“I don’t know, but he had some idea of going to New York.” - -“Did he tell you this?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then why didn’t you tell me?” - -“Because I thought the boy had enough to contend against without his -mother turning against him.” - -“It seems to me you have very peculiar ideas of the duties of a wife, -Mrs. W.” - -“And you have strange notions of your duty to your stepson.” - -“Will you tell me when Ben left the house and what route he took?” - -“I can’t answer either question.” - -“I’ll find out in spite of you and bring him back,” said Jacob angrily. -“Did you give him any money to go away with?” - -“I am not likely to have much money to give to any one. However I gave -him two dollars.” - -“So you connived at his escape? You ought to be ashamed of yourself, -Mrs. W.” - -“My conscience is clear. I will only say that had you treated Ben as he -had a right to expect, he would not have left the house.” - -“Perhaps, Mrs. W., you will favor me with your idea of how he ought -to have been treated,” said Mr. Winter, with what he thought to be -withering sarcasm. - -“I will. You should have let him go to the high school.” - -“Anything more?” - -“And given him better clothes. He does not dress as well as boys of -much smaller means.” - -“I don’t mean to pamper him, or dress him in purple and fine linen, -Mrs. Winter. He has left a good home and will probably repent it in -dust and ashes before many weeks are over. Is breakfast ready?” - -“It will be ready in five minutes.” - -“I want to start in pursuit of Ben as soon as possible. I feel that I -have a responsibility about the boy, if you don’t, Mrs. Winter.” - -Mrs. Winter smiled. She understood very well why her husband wanted to -recover Ben. The fifty dollars a year promised by Mr. Flack he was not -willing to surrender if there was any possible chance of securing it. - -Mr. Winter harnessed up and drove to the nearest railroad station, five -miles away, but he saw nothing of the fugitive. Ben had taken the five -o’clock train, having slept with his friend Albert Graham the night -before. - -On the way home Mr. Winter met Albert, and knowing the intimacy between -the two boys, he stopped his horse and inquired: “When did you see Ben -last?” - -“Early this morning,” answered Albert. - -“You did, hey? Where did you see him?” - -“He slept at my house last night.” - -“Is he there now?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Where is he then?” - -“I guess he must be in Boston now.” - -“In Boston?” repeated the farmer. “Why, why, how could he get there so -quick?” - -“He meant to take the five o’clock train from Grafton.” - -“He’s a fool! He can’t get any further than Boston. He only had two -dollars with him.” - -“Is that all?” asked Albert significantly. - -“Yes; his mother gave him two dollars, and that wouldn’t much more than -get him to Boston.” - -Albert did not contradict his statement, but he happened to know that -Ben had five dollars more lent by himself. - -“Did Ben tell you he was going to run away?” said Jacob, returning to -the charge. - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Why didn’t you come and tell me?” - -“What do you take me for?” asked Albert scornfully. “Do you think I -would betray my friend?” - -“I see you are in league with him,” returned Jacob angrily. “I ain’t -sure but I can have you arrested for aidin’ and abettin’ him in his -unlawful doin’s.” - -“Go ahead and do it if you think best,” said Albert, in no way -frightened. - -“I’ll see about it. I’ll consult with Lawyer Cole, and you may spend -the night in jail.” - -Albert took no particular notice of this threat, and did not borrow any -trouble on account of it. - -Meanwhile the boy who had created such a commotion in the Winter -household had reached Boston. He had never before been so far from -home, and it must be confessed that, as he stepped from the car and -followed the rest of the passengers into the front part of the Boston -and Albany station, he felt a sense of loneliness, mingled with -apprehension. - -Had he done wisely in leaving his country home to seek the crowded -city? He could not tell, but just for a moment his heart sank within -him, and he almost wished himself back in Wrayburn. - -But the feeling soon passed away, and as he stepped out of the depot, -and, following the crowd, walked on to Washington Street, he became -more cheerful and hopeful. - -On the way he passed a small restaurant. There was a bill of fare -displayed at the door. The prices seemed reasonable, and he decided to -enter. - -He had got up very early, walked about five miles to the station, and -though he had been provided by Albert with a couple of slices of bread -and butter, he felt very hungry. - -He went into the restaurant and scanning the bill of fare, called for -a plate of baked beans and a cup of coffee. They were brought, and he -partook of them with great relish. - -The cost was only fifteen cents. He would have liked to order more, -but he felt that he must husband his money, as he did not know when he -would obtain employment. - -He reached Washington Street, and walked down it looking in at the -shop windows. There were comparatively few people out, as it was still -early, but to Ben’s rural eyes there seemed to be a crowd. He passed -the Adams House, and when he reached Winter Street, he glanced up it -and saw a vista of green grass and sturdy old trees, that reminded him -of the country. - -“What is that field over there?” he asked of a young man at his side. - -“That is the common,” answered the other with a smile. - -Ben hurried and pushed on till he reached the famous square. Passing -between some posts he found himself on the mall, and seated himself on -a long bench under the trees. - -He looked with interest at the passers-by. It was a bright and animated -spectacle. It was a glimpse of the world quite unlike any with which -Ben had been acquainted hitherto. - -“I wish somebody was with me,” he said to himself. - -As if in answer to his wish a boy rather older than himself stopped in -front of the bench and greeted him in a surprised voice. “Why, Ben, how -came you here?” - -Looking up he recognized his cousin Adelbert Bruce, who lived, as he -remembered, in a town not far from Boston. - -“Adelbert!” exclaimed Ben joyfully, rising and grasping his cousin’s -hand. “I never thought of seeing you.” - -“I have come to Boston to buy some clothes,” said Adelbert, “but what -brings you here?” - -“I have left home,” answered Ben. - -“But why?” - -“Wait till you have a stepfather, and then you will know.” - -“Are you trying to find a place in Boston?” - -“No; I am going to New York.” - -“You don’t mean it! Do you know any one there?” - -“No.” - -“Then I should think you would be afraid to go.” - -“I have to go somewhere. Mr. Winter would have apprenticed me to a -shoemaker if I had stayed in Wrayburn.” - -“Did your mother know you were going to leave home?” - -“Yes; I wouldn’t go without telling her.” - -Adelbert sat down by Ben and the two talked earnestly. All at once they -became sensible of a commotion, then of men, women and children running -by them in excitement, the more timid uttering cries of alarm. - -“What’s the matter?” asked Ben. - -“_It’s a mad dog_,” answered his cousin, turning pale, “_and he’s -coming our way!_” - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -BEN BECOMES A HERO. - - -The two boys rose from the bench, fully appreciating the danger to -which they were exposed, and uncertain what it was safest to do. The -dog was of medium size, weighing perhaps forty pounds. - -It was foaming at the mouth and might well inspire alarm. As is -customary in such cases, it followed a straight course, turning neither -to the right nor the left. - -“We are safe,” said Ben, “if we stay where we are.” - -Directly in front of the dog was a gentleman of middle age holding -by the hand a small boy of ten. Among the flying crowd this pair -seemed most exposed to peril. The man’s face was pale, for he felt the -dangerous position in which they stood. - -“Hurry, Paul, hurry!” he cried. - -“I can’t run any faster, papa!” said the little boy, gasping for breath. - -Two legs are no match for four, and the dog was within six feet of the -boy, whom it had selected as its victim. - -To Adelbert’s surprise, Ben sprang forward and made a dash for the -dog. He had pulled off his sack-coat, and just as the dog was about to -fasten his teeth in Paul’s leg, he threw the coat over the animal’s -head and held it tight. - -But the dog struggled so powerfully that Ben was in peril. Help came -when it was needed. - -A mechanic, strong and muscular, rushed to his assistance, and between -them they held the dog firmly muzzled till a policeman arrived, and -drawing a revolver shot the frantic animal through the head. - -With a hoarse cry the dog stretched himself out in the agonies of death. - -“Your little boy has been saved from a terrible death,” said a -bystander to Paul’s father. - -The latter breathed a deep sigh of relief. He turned his eyes in the -direction of Ben, who was holding up his coat and gazing at it with a -rueful look. - -“It is spoiled,” said Adelbert. “You can never wear it again.” - -“And it is my only one,” rejoined Ben. - -He felt a touch upon his arm, and turning, saw that it was the little -boy’s father who had thus called his attention. - -“My dear boy,” he said, in a tone of deep emotion, “how can I thank you -for what you have done? By your bravery you have in all probability -saved my son from a terrible death.” - -“I am so glad,” was Ben’s reply. “When I saw his danger I couldn’t help -trying to save him. Any one would have done it,” he added modestly. - -“No one did it but you,” said the father significantly. “What is your -name?” - -“Ben Bruce.” - -“Do you live in Boston?” - -“No, sir; I am on my way to New York.” - -“Are you--excuse my asking--in limited circumstances?” - -“I have to make my own way,” answered Ben. “I am going to New York to -seek my fortune.” - -“And this boy with you--is he your brother?” - -“No,” answered Adelbert, “I am Ben’s cousin, and proud of the -relationship,” he added. “I didn’t think Ben had so much pluck.” - -“I think I heard you say that this was your only coat.” - -“Yes, sir,” answered Ben shyly. - -“You can never wear it any more. The least I can do is to replace it. -Are you acquainted in Boston?” - -“No, sir, but Adelbert is.” - -“Do you know where to find the clothing house of A. Shuman?” asked the -gentleman, addressing Adelbert. - -“Yes, sir; I am going there myself to buy a suit of clothes.” - -“Then take your cousin with you and help him select a suit.” - -“But, sir, I only lost my coat.” - -“I certainly can do no less than buy you a complete suit. Then I shall -hope to have the pleasure of entertaining you both at dinner at my -house in Mt. Vernon Street. We dine at two o’clock. Wait a minute and I -will give you an order on Mr. Shuman for a suit.” - -He tore a leaf from his memorandum book and wrote upon it these words: - - “Allow the bearer to select clothing to the amount of - thirty-five dollars, and charge the same to my account. - - “FRANKLIN WENTWORTH.” - -“Please read this,” he said to Ben. - -“Isn’t that a great deal to spend for a suit, sir?” asked Ben. - -“Yes; I advise you to use only part of it for a suit, and buy other -articles such as you need to make up the balance. I dare say you can -make use of other things.” - -“Thank you sir. You are quite right.” - -“I will bid you good morning now, and will expect to see you at dinner. -Here is my card.” - -“Franklin Wentworth,” repeated Adelbert, looking at the latter. “He -is a broker in State Street, and is considered a rich man. You are in -luck, Ben. The folks will be su’prised when they hear that I have taken -dinner at his house.” - -“What shall I do with this coat, Adelbert?” asked Ben. - -“Give it to me,” said a ragged boy, who overheard the question. - -“But it is spoiled. It has the dog’s saliva on it.” - -“Mother will clean it for me. It’s better than any I have got.” - -“You are welcome to it,” said Ben, “but be careful to clean it -thoroughly.” - -“Yes, I will,” and the boy walked away with a pleased expression. - -“I’d like to get a new suit at once, Del,” said Ben. “I feel queer -walking in Boston without a coat.” - -“We’ll go down Bromfield Street to Washington. That will bring us out -very near Shuman’s.” - -The two boys walked down to Washington Street, Ben attracting attention -from the crowd, some of whom knew that he was the boy who had helped -capture the mad dog. They crossed the street and entered the large, -handsome store of A. Shuman & Co. In the windows was a fine display of -fashionable clothing. - -One of the salesmen stepped up and met the two boys, his curiosity a -little excited by Ben’s appearance. - -Ben showed the memorandum. - -“My coat was spoiled by an accident,” he said, “but I guess I can get a -better one here.” - -“I think we shall be able to fit you out.” - -Ben finally selected a stylish suit for twenty-five dollars, and -invested the remaining ten dollars in underclothing and an extra pair -of trousers. - -“Will you have the clothes sent home?” asked the salesman. - -“I should like to take off the clothes I have on and put on the whole -new suit.” - -“Very well.” - -“I will take the rest in a bundle,” went on Ben. “I am only passing -through Boston, and have no place to send it to.” - -“It will be rather awkward to carry the bundle around,” said Adelbert. - -“We will keep it here for you subject to your order,” interposed the -salesman. “When will you call for it?” - -“About half-past four,” suggested Adelbert. “My cousin is going to New -York by the Fall River boat.” - -“Very good.” - -In ten minutes Ben left the store looking very much better than when he -entered it, so far as clothing was concerned. He had hardly reached the -street when a brisk-looking young man stepped up to him. - -“I beg your pardon,” he said, “but are you the boy who tackled the mad -dog on the Common twenty minutes since?” - -“Yes, sir,” answered Ben, rather surprised. - -“I thought so. I am a reporter of the Boston _Globe_. Please step -around to the office with me, and help me fix up an account of it for -our paper.” - -“Really, Ben, you are getting to be a prominent character,” said -Adelbert, laughing. - -“It seems so,” answered Ben. - -Both boys walked to the _Globe_ office not far away, and Ben was asked -several questions, which he answered promptly. - -“Thank you,” said the young man. “Now, if you have no objection, I will -take you out and have your picture taken.” - -“What for?” asked Ben, puzzled. - -“To reproduce in our evening edition.” - -“You mean to put my picture in the paper?” asked Ben, almost frightened. - -“Yes; the young people will like to see it.” - -“Oh, have it taken, Ben,” said Adelbert, “I will take one home to -Natick, and won’t the folks be surprised!” - -So Ben submitted. He felt that it was quite the most wonderful day in -his life. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -BEN DINES IN MT. VERNON STREET. - - -As there was considerable time to be filled up, Ben went about the city -under the guidance of Adelbert, and got a fair idea of it. Never before -having been in any city, he was quite impressed with the size of Boston. - -“I suppose New York is still larger,” he said to his cousin. - -“So I hear, but I have never been there.” - -“It will seem strange to me living in so large a place.” - -“Large places seem to agree with you. This is your first day in Boston, -and you have already made thirty-five dollars.” - -“I don’t expect to follow it up with such luck.” - -“Probably not. If you could make that sum once a week you would do -better than most boys of your age.” - -A little before two o’clock the boys rang the bell at Mr. Wentworth’s -house on Mt. Vernon Street. - -The door was opened by a well-dressed serving-man, who greeted them -with a smile, and relieved them of any embarrassment by saying, “Please -follow me. You are expected.” - -He led the way up-stairs to a handsome apartment, which appeared to be -fitted up as a sitting-room and library. - -“Be seated, please.” - -They sat down and had begun to examine some of the books on the table, -when an attractive lady entered the room, leading by the hand little -Paul. - -“Which of you boys saved the life of my little boy?” she asked with -emotion. - -“My cousin Ben,” answered Adelbert. - -She grasped Ben’s hand warmly, saying, “I shall never forget the -service you have done me, my brave boy.” - -Ben blushed and felt uncomfortable, for he was modest and did not think -he deserved such a warm tribute. - -“Won’t you come and sit by me, Paul?” he asked, for he was fond of -little boys. - -Paul went up at once and sat beside him on the sofa. - -“Were you very much afraid?” asked Ben. - -“Wasn’t I just? I thought the dog was going to bite me. Were you -frightened?” - -“I was at first, but I forgot all about it when I saw your danger.” - -“This wasn’t the coat you threw over the dog’s head?” - -“No; I gave that to a boy who asked for it.” - -“You wouldn’t want to wear it again?” - -“No. It would always make me think of the mad dog.” - -“Have you got any little brothers?” - -“No; I wish I had. I should like a little brother like you.” - -“Do you live in the city?” asked Mrs. Wentworth of Adelbert. - -“No; I live about eighteen miles from here, in the country.” - -“Does your cousin live with you?” - -“No; I have not seen him for four years. He is on his way to New York.” - -“I hope he will prosper. He deserves to do so.” - -Just then Mr. Wentworth entered and dinner was announced. - -“I will sit by Ben,” said Paul, who by this time felt quite at home -with his preserver. - -“You seem to have won Paul’s heart,” remarked Mrs. Wentworth with a -smile. - -Of course the dinner was excellent and well served. It must be -confessed that both boys were very hungry and did full justice to it. - -When the last course was served Mr. Wentworth rose from the table. - -“You must excuse me, young gentlemen,” he said, “but I have a business -appointment at a quarter past three and I have barely time to meet -it. Don’t hurry, however; Mrs. Wentworth and Paul will entertain you. -Before going let me say,” he was addressing Ben now, “if ever you get -into trouble or need a friend don’t hesitate to write to me. And now -good-by, and good luck.” - -“Thank you, sir,” said Ben gratefully. The boys remained twenty minutes -longer, and then rose to go. - -“Wait a minute,” said Mrs. Wentworth. “Come with me, Paul.” - -The two left the room, but immediately returned. Paul held in his hand -a silver hunting watch with a neat chain attached to it. - -“This is for you, Ben,” he said. - -Ben looked surprised and pleased. He had always wanted a watch. - -“Yes,” said Mrs. Wentworth, “you are to consider this a gift from Paul. -I hope it will do you good service.” - -“I thank you and him very much,” said Ben gratefully. “Paul, you must -let me kiss you.” - -The little boy threw his arms around the neck of his new friend and -kissed him warmly. - -“You must come and see me again,” he said. - -“I hope to do so some time.” - -The two boys left the house, much pleased with their visit. - -“This is a lucky day for you, Ben,” said Adelbert. “I hope your luck -will continue.” - -“I feel a good deal better than I did yesterday at this time,” -responded Ben. “What nice people they are!” - -“Yes, but I am sure you will find plenty more such in New York. You -must write to me, Ben.” - -“Yes, I will be sure to do so.” - -“And look out for pickpockets when you are on the boat. Don’t let them -steal your watch.” - -“It seems odd to have anything worth stealing, Del.” - -“It would have been a good while before your stepfather gave you a -watch.” - -“Yes; he is about as mean a man as I ever met. Mother made a great -mistake in marrying him. When I am able I shall ask her to leave him -and come to live with me.” - -“Why can’t you go up to Natick to-night with me, and stay over till -to-morrow?” - -“I feel in a hurry to reach New York and see what I can do there. I am -anxious to know how I am going to make out.” - -“Then I will excuse you this time. Perhaps you can come and see me next -year.” - -“If I am lucky I may be able to do so.” - -At half-past four they went to Shuman’s and Ben got his bundle. -Adelbert also made choice of a suit, but one not so expensive as Ben’s. -“I can’t afford to go high as you did, Ben,” he said. - -On their way to the depot they met a newsboy who called out. “Evenin’ -papers! _Record_ and _Globe_! All about the mad dog!” - -This attracted Adelbert’s attention. - -“Why, it’s about you, Ben,” he said. “Give me the _Globe_.” - -“And me, too,” added Ben. - -They hastily opened it, and Ben flushed with pleasure to see his -picture staring at him from the fourth page. There was quite a full -account of the capture of the dog, and Ben was highly praised for his -bravery and presence of mind. - -“Does the _Globe_ go to Wrayburn?” asked Adelbert. - -“Yes, but Mr. Winter doesn’t take it.” - -“He will hear of it. I should like to be present when he reads the -account and sees your picture.” - -“So should I. He won’t know anything of the presents I received.” - -Though the Fall River train did not start till six the boys reached -the Old Colony station at half-past five, and then Adelbert left his -cousin, as he wished to take a train to his country home. When the -train was ready Ben, with his bundle in his hand, joined the moving -crowd of passengers and entered the cars. - -The low rate of fare increased the crowd considerably, and it was -evident that the steamer would be well filled. Ben had some difficulty -in finding a seat, and there were quite a number standing in each of -the cars that composed the train. - -In an hour and a half the brakeman put his head in and announced “Fall -River!” - -All the passengers got out, Ben among them, and made their way to the -mammoth steamer waiting to convey them to New York. - -Every stateroom was taken, and every berth, so that Ben found he should -have to sit up. He was not alone, however, for there was a considerable -number in the same predicament. He did not know what to do with his -bundle till one of the passengers directed him to the baggage-room on -the lower deck. He carried his package thither and received a check in -return, which he put into his pocket. Then he went up-stairs again. - -Presently he felt hungry, and learning that supper could be had below, -he went down-stairs. He had to wait a considerable time before there -was a vacant seat at the tables and he was allowed to enter. The prices -he found higher than at the restaurant where he had taken breakfast, -but then it must be stated that the quality of the food provided was -much better. - -Ben made as economical a supper as he could, ordering a cup of coffee -and some boiled eggs. When he had finished he still felt hungry, but he -reflected that his finances were limited, and refrained from ordering -more, but partook heartily of the bread which was liberally supplied. - -He was wandering about the boat after supper, when, happening to go -down to the main deck, he saw a commonly dressed man smoking a clay -pipe. - -There was something familiar in the fellow’s look. - -“Where have I seen that face before?” Ben asked himself. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -BEN HAS A NARROW ESCAPE. - - -At first Ben was puzzled, but all at once it flashed upon him that the -man was the one who had tried to rob his stepfather and afterward to -enter the house. He could see in his face some of the fine bird shot -which had entered it when he fired the old musket at him. - -Now it often happens that a fixed and steady gaze will in some strange -manner be felt by the person observed. At any rate, in this instance -Tom Tidd at first looked uneasy, then turning returned Ben’s look. He, -too, was struck by something familiar in the boy’s face, but his new -clothes made recognition more difficult. - -“What are you starin’ at, kid?” he growled. - -“Did you address me, sir?” asked Ben. - -“Yes, I did. Do you think you’ll know me next time?” - -“Perhaps so,” answered Ben. - -“Where do you hang out, any way?” - -“On this boat at present.” - -“Where are you going?” - -“To New York.” - -“I’m blamed if you don’t look like a young rascal that peppered me with -bird shot two or three nights ago.” - -“How did that happen? Did the gun go off by accident?” - -“No, he meant it, confound him!” - -“I don’t wonder you don’t like my looks if that is the case.” - -“Well, I guess you ain’t him. If you was I’d----” - -Here the conversation dropped, and Tom Tidd returned to his pipe, while -Ben, congratulating himself that his unpleasant neighbor’s suspicions -had not been confirmed, walked away to another part of the boat. - -At ten o’clock Ben settled himself as comfortably as he could for the -night. It might have been the excitement that prevented his sleeping -well. At any rate he woke up from a troubled nap about midnight, and -finding the atmosphere rather close, decided to go on deck for a breath -of fresh air. - -Walking along the starboard side of the steamer in a narrow passage -lined with staterooms, his attention was attracted to a shambling -figure looking into one of the rooms with his head protruding through -the open window. - -Instantly Ben stopped in excited attention. As the man withdrew his -head for an instant and showed his side face, Ben saw that it was his -country acquaintance Tom Tidd, and he understood at once that his -object was robbery. - -While he was standing irresolute Tom thrust in his hand, and drew -out the vest of the sleeping passenger, from the pocket of which he -proceeded to draw out a gold watch with a chain attached. - -Without thinking of the imprudence of the step, Ben ran forward, and -seizing the thief by the arm, cried in a tone of authority, “Drop that!” - -Tom Tidd whirled round instantly, naturally startled, as one might well -be detected in such an act. - -“Oh, it’s you, you young rascal!” he exclaimed in a furious tone. “I’ll -give you a lesson.” - -He seized Ben in a vise-like-grip, and lifting him from the deck, -prepared to throw him overboard. Ben’s heart failed him, as he saw the -seething waters into which he would probably be thrown. He struggled to -release himself, and gained a temporary advantage, slipping eel-like -from the grasp of the burglar. - -By a happy inspiration he snatched a whistle from his pocket and blew a -loud blast following it up by loud cries of “Help! Murder!” - -“You’re too late,” hissed the burglar, making another effort to throw -the boy overboard. - -He lifted him above the rail and held him there suspended. Ben gave -himself up for lost. - -It is hard to tell how many thoughts came into his mind in the few -seconds in which he felt himself at the mercy of the burly ruffian. It -seemed likely that his career would then and there be cut off, in which -case this story would never have been written. - -But help was at hand. The door of the stateroom was thrown open, and -the occupant, a strong, muscular man, weighing at least two hundred -pounds, entered upon the scene. - -Quickly comprehending the situation, he grasped Tom Tidd in his -powerful arms, tore Ben from his clutches, and then demanded sternly, -“What does all this mean?” - -“This man was going to throw me into the water,” gasped Ben. - -“And you deserved it, too,” growled the discomfited burglar. - -“What had you done?” asked the passenger, addressing himself to Ben. - -“He was getting into your stateroom through the window,” exclaimed Ben. -“He had hold of your vest when I came up and tackled him.” - -“Is this so? Where, then, is the vest?” - -“He must have dropped it on the floor inside the stateroom.” - -“Go in and see if it’s there.” - -“Lemme go!” exclaimed Tom Tidd, trying to wriggle out of the grasp of -the muscular passenger. - -“Not yet, my friend! I haven’t done with you.” - -“I’ll throw you into the Sound.” - -“You may do it if you can. I haven’t belonged to the Manhattan Athletic -Club for the last five years for nothing.” - -“I’ve found the vest,” said Ben from inside the stateroom. - -“Is the watch in it?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Good! that watch cost me five hundred dollars in Geneva.” - -Tom Tidd groaned inwardly. What a chance he had lost! - -“Now go and call some one. This fellow must be secured.” - -“Let me go!” pleaded Tidd, becoming alarmed. “I won’t try to enter your -stateroom again.” - -“I don’t mean that you shall have the chance.” - -“Let me go!” continued the burglar fiercely, making a hard struggle to -get free. - -“Can’t think of it, my fine fellow. For the sake of the community I -shall see that you are secured.” - -Meanwhile, Ben had run into the saloon and returned with two men--one -an employee of the boat. Help came none too soon. - -Tom Tidd had managed to thrust his hand into his pocket, drawing out a -large jackknife, which he was trying to open. Had he done so it might -have fared ill with his captor. - -Ben was the first to see the knife. - -“Take his knife away!” he exclaimed in excitement. - -The two men threw themselves upon the ruffian and managed to deprive -him of his ugly weapon, throwing it into the water. Then some strong -cord was obtained, and the fellow, in spite of his struggles, was tied -securely. - -“You are the cause of all this!” he exclaimed, glaring at Ben. “Now -tell me who you are. Haven’t I met you before?” - -“Yes,” answered Ben. - -“Where?” - -“When I last saw you I was looking out of a third story window at -midnight.” - -“By gum, I thought so. And it was you that peppered me with bird shot.” - -“Yes; but I wouldn’t have done so if I hadn’t felt obliged to.” - -“And to think I’ve been foiled twice by a kid!” exclaimed Tom Tidd with -an expression of disgust. “I’ll get even with you yet.” - -“What does he mean?” asked Grant Griswold, the occupant of the -stateroom. - -Ben explained. - -“Evidently the man is a confirmed rogue. How did you happen to be on -deck so late?” - -“It was close in the saloon and I came up to get a breath of fresh air.” - -“Luckily for me. Have you a stateroom?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Then, if you like, occupy mine. There is an upper berth at your -service.” - -“Thank you sir. I will accept your invitation.” - -“I won’t talk any more with you now, but in the morning I will ask -you to breakfast with me, and you can tell me more about yourself. I -suppose as my caller is now secured it won’t hurt to keep my window -open.” - -The rest of the night was uneventful. Both Ben and his new friend slept -soundly, and only waked up when the steamer was passing under Brooklyn -Bridge. - -“Are you awake, my young friend?” asked Mr. Griswold, after he had -performed his ablutions. - -“Yes,” answered Ben, rubbing his eyes. - -“And do you know where you are?” went on his companion, smiling. - -“No, sir.” - -“We are near the pier in New York and I advise you to get up and -prepare for landing.” - -“That won’t take long, sir, as I didn’t undress.” - -Ben secured his bundle and the two left the steamer. Ben looked about -curiously. - -“Are you expecting any one to meet you, Ben?” asked Mr. Griswold, who -had inquired the name of his young roommate. - -“No, sir; I know no one in New York.” - -“We will go up to the Astor House to breakfast.” - -Ben had heard of the Astor House, but had no particular idea with -regard to it. At the suggestion of his new friend his bundle was left -in the package room of the hotel and they went up-stairs into the -dining-saloon. Two gentlemen at a neighboring table recognized Mr. -Griswold, and looked rather curiously at Ben. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. - - -“I say, Griswold,” said a gentleman seated at a neighboring table, “is -that your son?” - -Grant Griswold smiled. - -“Hardly,” he said. “Ben, how old are you?” - -“Nearly sixteen.” - -“And I am only thirty-two, so that hypothesis lacks probability. We -are only recent acquaintances, or, let me say, friends, but I hope our -friendship will continue.” - -“Thank you, sir,” said Ben. “I hope so too.” - -As the meal progressed Mr. Griswold questioned Ben as to his plans. - -“I want to make a living,” said Ben, “but I know so little about the -city that I can’t tell yet which will be the best way.” - -“I would look out for something for you, but unfortunately I sail for -Europe next Saturday, to be gone for three months. Have you any friends -in New York?” - -“No, sir.” - -“You will need a recommendation, and I will write you one before I -leave town. I haven’t known you long, but what I have seen of you gives -me confidence in your good qualities. By the way, I shall need some one -to help me pack, and I will keep you with me till I start for Europe. -It will only be three days, but that will give you a chance to look -about you, and will enable you to say you have been in my employ.” - -“You are very kind, Mr. Griswold,” said Ben gratefully. “I didn’t -expect to meet such a friend so soon.” - -After breakfast Ben, accompanying Mr. Griswold, went up-town to a large -building on lower Fifth Avenue, where Mr. Griswold rented a suite of -rooms. - -“You will occupy the small bedroom adjoining mine,” said Griswold, “and -I will set you to work while I go out and make a few calls.” - -During the day Ben was sent on several errands, and though a stranger -to the city he managed to acquit himself creditably, making inquiries -about locations when he was at fault. - -Three days later he went to see his patron off on the Etruria. - -Mr. Griswold handed him a ten-dollar bill and bade him good-by. - -“I wish you good luck, Ben,” he said. “Be sure to call on me when I -return.” - -Ben waited on the dock till the floating hotel was fairly under way, -and then turned away, feeling very lonely. He could hardly realize that -the friend whom he so much regretted had been utterly unknown to him -four days previous. Now he had no one to lean upon. He must rely wholly -upon himself. - -Two things must be done at once. He must find a room and employment. -He had taken down two or three names of lodging-houses from the New -York _Herald_, which Mr. Griswold took in every morning. One of them -was on West Twelfth Street. He took a car and went up there. The door -was opened by a woman of ample proportions, who regarded Ben with a -critical eye. - -“Well, young man?” she said in a tone of business-like inquiry. - -“I want to hire a room,” said Ben. - -“Will you occupy it alone?” - -“Yes, madam.” - -“Do you wish a large or a small room?” - -“I want a low-priced room.” - -“That means a small room.” - -“I have no objection to a large room if the price is low,” said Ben, -smiling. - -“No doubt. Well, follow me up-stairs.” - -Mrs. Robinson was stout and unwieldy, and seemed to find it difficult -to go up-stairs. At the head of the second flight she threw open the -door of a small hall bedroom very plainly furnished. - -“You can have that room for two dollars a week,” she said. - -“It is very small,” remarked Ben doubtfully. - -“It is as good as you can expect for two dollars. I can give you a fine -square room for five dollars.” - -“That is more than I can afford to pay. I think I will take this room -for a short time and see how I like it.” - -“Are you in any business?” - -“I am looking for a place.” - -Mrs. Robinson’s face changed slightly. - -“I require the first week in advance,” she said significantly. - -“Very well.” - -Ben took out his pocketbook and tendered her a ten-dollar bill, the one -he had just received from Mr. Griswold. - -Mrs. Robinson, seeing the denomination of the bill, regarded Ben with -increased respect. - -“I am afraid I can’t change a ten,” she said. - -“I believe I have a two here,” returned Ben, exploring his wallet. - -“Very well. I will write you a receipt. What is your name?” - -“Ben--that is, Benjamin Bruce.” - -“I think we shall get along very well, Mr. Bruce,” said the landlady -graciously. “I hope you will have success in getting a place.” - -“Thank you.” - -“Do you wish to sleep here to-night?” - -Ben answered in the affirmative, and Mrs. Robinson gave him a latch-key. - -“That will let you in at any time, but I hope you are a steady young -man and don’t keep very late hours.” - -“I don’t expect to,” answered Ben, with a smile. - -“I had a young man in this room last spring who annoyed me very much -by coming home drunk and disturbing the house in his efforts to get -up-stairs.” - -“I don’t expect to trouble you in that way,” said Ben. “I don’t know -many people in the city” (he didn’t like to say “any,” though he might -have done so truthfully), “and shall not be tempted to keep late hours.” - -It did not take long for Ben to establish himself in his new room. He -went out and took a walk on Broadway. - -He thought he would defer looking for a place till the next morning. He -stayed out several hours, and then feeling fatigued, went back to the -lodging-house. - -He lay down on the bed in his clothes, but had hardly been there ten -minutes when there was a knock on his door. - -Ben was rather surprised at having a caller so soon, but he turned his -face to the door and said, “Come in!” - -A young man, apparently about twenty-five, entered. He had long black -hair, and a broad, high forehead. - -“Excuse me,” he said, “but you are a new lodger.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Let me introduce myself then. My name is Sylvanus Snodgrass, and I -occupy the small room across the hall.” - -“I am glad to see you, Mr. Snodgrass. Won’t you sit down? You will -excuse my sitting on the bed as I have but one chair.” - -“It is the same in my room. May I ask your name?” - -“Ben Bruce.” - -“Excuse me, but are you literary?” - -“Not at all,” answered Ben, rather surprised. - -“You have a good name for an author, both names beginning with the same -letter.” - -“Are you literary, Mr. Snodgrass?” - -“Yes,” answered the young man complacently. “Do you ever read the -_Weekly Bugle_, a literary paper?” - -“I don’t think I have.” - -“I am having a serial story run through it. It is called ‘The -Ragpicker’s Curse.’” - -Ben was not much of a judge of literature, but it didn’t seem to him -that this title suggested a high order of literary merit. - -“Did it take you long to write it?” he asked. - -“I wrote it in four weeks. It is in forty chapters. I was greatly -enthused when I wrote it.” - -“Were you?” - -“I was so much interested that one day I wrote eight hours on a -stretch, and then fainted away.” - -Mr. Snodgrass mentioned this little circumstance in a very complacent -tone. - -“The literary life is a very absorbing one,” he continued. “When I have -finished a story I am simply exhausted.” - -“I hope it pays well,” said Ben. - -“Not as it should, Mr. Bruce, not as it should. But money is not -everything. I hope to acquire fame, to live in the hearts of future -generations,” and the young man’s pale cheeks flushed. - -Ben doubted whether such stories as “The Ragpicker’s Curse” would be -likely to win enduring fame for the author, but out of consideration -for the feelings of Mr. Snodgrass he kept silent on this point. - -“I hear that Howells makes a good deal of money by his novels,” he said. - -“Howells!” repeated Mr. Snodgrass scornfully. “He couldn’t write a -story for the _Weekly Bugle_. There isn’t excitement enough in his -productions.” - -“Still, I think I should like to be in his shoes.” - -“Oh, no doubt there is some merit in his stories,” said Sylvanus -Snodgrass condescendingly, “but I don’t admire them for my part. They -lack snap and fire.” - -“Probably he couldn’t write a story like ‘The Ragpicker’s Curse.’” - -“I won’t express any opinion on that subject,” said Mr. Snodgrass -modestly. “If you ever feel inclined to write a story, Mr. Bruce, I -shall be glad to introduce you to our editor.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Snodgrass, you are very kind.” - -“Oh, don’t mention it, Mr. Bruce. I know what it is to struggle and I -like to help young writers. By the way, have you had supper?” - -“Not yet.” - -“Suppose we go out together. I like company when I eat.” - -Ben accepted the suggestion. Lonely as he felt he welcomed the -companionship even of Sylvanus Snodgrass. He put on his hat, and they -walked down-stairs together. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -BEN IS INTRODUCED TO A POET. - - -Mr. Snodgrass led the way to a small restaurant two or three streets -distant, and the two went in and seated themselves at a table covered -with a cloth of far from immaculate whiteness. - -Taking up the bill of fare, Ben was pleased to find that the prices -were very moderate. - -“Do you often come here, Mr. Snodgrass?” he asked. - -“Yes, except when I have occasion to be down town. Then I go into a -restaurant on Park Row.” - -“The only place I ever heard mentioned before I came here is -Delmonico’s.” - -“Yes,” answered Mr. Snodgrass. “Del keeps a fine place, but I seldom -go there. In a small place like this you are more apt to meet men -and women of brains. One evening I met here Gloriana Podd, the great -poetess. Of course you have heard of her?” - -“I am not sure that I have.” - -“She writes for several of the popular weeklies, and I am told that -her poems are sometimes copied in the London papers. I am surprised -that you haven’t heard of her.” - -“My stepfather didn’t take any weekly papers. He thought too much of -his money.” - -“Then I presume you had never heard of _me_.” - -Ben acknowledged that he had not. - -“You were evidently buried in the country. Now that you are in a great -metropolis you will live--and learn.” - -“I hope so.” - -“Of course I will do all I can for you. I will introduce you to our -editor at any time.” - -“Thank you, but I will wait a little. I think he would not care to meet -a boy.” - -“Any friend of mine would be welcome, Mr. Bruce. But here comes the -waiter. What will you have?” - -“Give your order first, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -“A plate of corned beef hash and a cup of coffee,” said Mr. Snodgrass. - -“You may bring me some fried eggs and a cup of tea,” added Ben. - -The hash was brought and with it a few slices of bread and a square -of pale butter. The hash did not look very inviting, but the novelist -partook of it with evident relish. - -“I think I will take a piece of pie,” he said, as the last mouthful of -hash disappeared, “Ralph Waldo Emerson ate pie at every meal. Of course -you have heard of Emerson.” - -“Yes; did he write for the _Bugle_?” asked Ben with a smile. - -“No; our readers prefer romance. It may seem presumptuous in me to say -so, but I really believe they enjoy my productions better than the -essays of Emerson.” - -“I have no doubt of it. I hope, Mr. Snodgrass, you will give me a -chance to read some of your stories.” - -“I will with pleasure. I have several of them in weekly numbers of the -_Bugle_.” - -Ben, too, ventured upon a piece of pie. He did not wholly enjoy -the dishes provided at the restaurant. He felt that he should have -preferred his mother’s cooking. The charges, however, were moderate. -Only twenty cents for each person. - -Mr. Snodgrass rose from the table and took up his check. - -Then he thrust his hand into his pockets, and after a little his face -wore an air of perplexity. - -“I really believe I haven’t any money with me,” he said. “I must have -left it in the pockets of my other trousers. Awkward, isn’t it?” - -“I will advance you the money, Mr. Snodgrass,” said Ben. - -“Thank you,” rejoined the novelist with an air of relief. “You shall -soon have it back. The publisher of the _Bugle_ is owing me a balance -of ten dollars on my serial, and that I shall probably collect -to-morrow. I shall be glad to reimburse you.” - -“No hurry, Mr. Snodgrass!” - -“You are very kind, Mr. Bruce. I am really delighted to have made your -acquaintance.” - -“Thank you. Were you always an author, Mr. Snodgrass?” - -“I was a schoolboy once,” said the novelist facetiously. - -“Of course, but when were you old enough to go to work?” - -“I used to work at Macy’s, but I felt it was drudgery. It was poor -business for a man of intellect and imagination. I wrote a few short -stories for the weeklies, and one day, having a little difference with -my employer, I resigned, and boldly threw myself upon literature as an -avocation.” - -“How long ago was that?” - -“Almost a year since.” - -“And have you got along pretty well?” - -“I have had to live a life of self-denial, but I am working for -the future. Some day I mean to make the name of Sylvanus Snodgrass -renowned. What will my old friends at Macy’s say then?” - -“They will congratulate you, I should think.” - -Mr. Snodgrass shook his head. - -“No, they will be jealous of my fame,” he said. “Some of them even -now turn up their noses at me. They have no soul above the goods they -sell. They do not realize that my stories are read all over the United -States. An old schoolmate of mine in San Francisco wrote me last week -that he read everything I wrote.” - -“That must be very gratifying,” remarked Ben. - -“It is, Mr. Bruce. I hope you may be induced to try your hand at a -story.” - -“I will think of it after I have a place.” - -“I shall be glad to give you points and read your productions -critically. Have you had any place yet?” - -“I was for a short time in the employ of Mr. Grant Griswold, living on -Fifth Avenue, but he sailed for Europe this morning.” - -“So you are out of a place.” - -“At present, yes.” - -“Suppose we walk up to Union Square and take a seat on one of the -benches.” - -“Very well.” - -They found an unoccupied bench and sat down. - -Presently a rather short young man with dark hair and a small mustache -approached. - -Mr. Snodgrass pointed him out. - -“That is Cornelius Clyde, the poet,” he said. - -“Indeed!” - -“Would you like to be introduced?” - -“I have no objection.” - -“It is a great privilege to know Clyde,” said Mr. Snodgrass, who -thought Ben spoke too indifferently. “How are you, Mr. Clyde?” - -“I am well, thanks,” rejoined the poet. - -“Won’t you sit down? I should like to introduce you to my friend, Ben -Bruce.” - -“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Bruce. Are you one of us?” - -“I am not a writer.” - -“Ah, it’s a pity.” - -“I shall try to draw Mr. Bruce into our circle,” said Sylvanus. “I have -offered to introduce a story, if he will write one, to the notice of -our editor.” - -“Story? Ah yes,” said the poet condescendingly. “Do you ever write -verse, Mr. Bruce?” - -“I have never tried. I don’t think I could.” - -“Of course it is much more difficult than to write stories.” - -“Have you written anything new lately, Clyde?” asked Mr. Snodgrass. - -“I have just sent one to the office of the _Weekly Tomahawk_. I would -have sent it to the _Atlantic Monthly_, but that magazine is run by a -clique, and no outsider stands any chance of getting in.” - -“That is too bad!” said Sylvanus Snodgrass sympathizingly. - -“But I shall yet succeed,” went on the poet, earnestly. “The time will -come when they will apply to me, and ask me to name my own terms.” - -“I hope so, I am sure. I experience the same difficulty. I offered a -serial story to the _Century_ three months ago, but it was respectfully -declined. What do you think of that?” - -“I should have expected it,” answered Clyde. - -Mr. Snodgrass looked at the poet to see whether the words contained -any hidden meaning, but he was apparently satisfied that no slight was -intended, and began to discuss writers and publishers with Mr. Clyde. -The names introduced were unknown to Ben, and he was not, therefore, -very much interested. - -“I hear that Gloriana Podd is to bring out a new volume of poems soon,” -said Snodgrass. “I wonder you don’t do the same.” - -“Has she found a publisher to take the risk?” - -“No; it is printed at her own expense.” - -“So I supposed. Now I object to that. I shall wait till some publisher -asks the privilege of bringing me out in book form.” - -Presently the poet rose. - -“I have a poem to finish ere I sleep,” he said. “Good night to you -both.” - -“Good night.” - -“Is writing poetry Mr. Clyde’s only business?” asked Ben. - -“Well no, not exactly. He couldn’t live on it, you know. He works in a -down-town barber shop, but he has his evenings to himself.” - -“I should think that would be disagreeable business for a poet,” said -Ben in surprise. - -“It is not wholly congenial, but he tells me that when he is shaving or -cutting hair the most beautiful poetic fancies come to him at times. -Then when Saturday night arrives and he pockets his salary, he feels -repaid. It is hard for a poet or a romancer when he cannot pay his -board.” - -“I should think so,” returned Ben. - -Just as they parted for the night Mr. Snodgrass observed casually, “I -am going to ask a little favor of you, Mr. Bruce.” - -“What is it?” asked Ben cautiously. - -“I am owing Mrs. Robinson for a week’s room rent. It should have been -paid yesterday. If you could kindly lend me two dollars till to-morrow -afternoon I will go in and pay her to-night.” - -“It is quite out of the question, Mr. Snodgrass,” said Ben decidedly. -“I have but a little money, and don’t know when I shall get a place.” - -“It is immaterial!” returned Snodgrass. “I thought it possible you -could oblige me. Good night!” - -“Good night!” - -Ben began to think he had better avoid too great intimacy with Sylvanus -Snodgrass. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THINGS AT WRAYBURN. - - -While Ben is considering how he can find employment, we will go back to -Wrayburn. - -Jacob Winter felt very sorry over Ben’s running away. His stepson was a -strong boy and would have been of considerable service on the farm even -if Mr. Flack had not agreed to take him. But what troubled Jacob most -was the fifty dollars a year which the shoemaker had agreed to pay him. - -Then, too, he felt that Ben had defied his authority, and had come out -victorious. It was not pleasant to be worsted by a boy. - -He felt obliged to go round to Silas Flack’s shop and inform him of -what had happened. The shoemaker looked up when the farmer entered the -store. - -“Good morning, Mr. Winter. How are you this morning?” - -“Tollable, but I’ve had something to vex me.” - -“What’s that?” - -“Ben has gone away.” - -“Gone away? Where?” - -“He’s run away, I expect.” - -“What’s he run away for?” - -“Well, he didn’t like the idee of goin’ to work in a shoe-shop.” - -“He was over here and had a talk with me yesterday. He didn’t seem to -like the idee, but I thought it was only a boy’s notion. You don’t mean -to say he’s run away on that account?” - -“When I went up this mornin’ to call him I couldn’t find any trace of -him.” - -“Hadn’t the bed been slept in?” - -“No.” - -“Then he must have gone away last night.” - -“He went over and slept with the Graham boy. He tells me that Ben got -up early this mornin’ and walked over to the railroad and took the cars -for Boston.” - -“Did he have any money with him?” - -“He had two dollars given him by his mother.” - -“Did _she_ know he was going to run away?” - -“Well, she surmised it, and she upholds the boy in it. She wanted him -to go to the high school.” - -“That was all foolishness. He knows as much as you or I now and maybe -more.” - -“Yes, I’ve done my duty by Ben in givin’ him an eddication. What’s -enough for you and me is enough for him.” - -“That’s so. Well, how about our engagement?” - -“It’ll be carried out,” said Jacob firmly. “I’ll get the boy back, but -it may be a leetle later than I calculated.” - -“What steps have you taken? Did you say he went to Boston?” - -“Yes.” - -“Shall you go to Boston and bring him back?” - -“Well, I might not find him easy, and it costs money to travel. But I -expect he’ll be comin’ back himself. Two dollars won’t last him very -long, and he’ll be glad enough to come home.” - -“Will he have money enough to get back?” - -“He may have to foot it, but it will do him good. He ought to suffer a -little for his foolishness. Just keep the place open for him, Silas, -and I’ll see that he comes as soon as he gets back.” - -“All right, Mr. Winter. I always thought Ben was smart even if he is a -bit headstrong, and I’d be glad to have him with me.” - -Mr. Winter left the shoemaker’s somewhat encouraged. The place was -still open to Ben, and he had not yet lost the fifty dollars a year -which he was to receive by contract. - -“We’ll see if a boy’s goin’ to get the best of me,” he soliloquized, -nodding his head emphatically. “Ben’s got his mother on his side, but -when Jacob Winter puts down his foot that settles it.” - -The next morning, as Mrs. Winter was at work in the kitchen, there was -a knock at the side door. Opening it she found her caller to be a man -well known about the village, Jonathan Smith by name. He was elderly -and a bachelor, and acted as janitor of one of the churches. - -“How are you, Jonathan?” she said. - -“I’m so’s to be round, Mrs. Winter. I hear your boy Ben has gone away.” - -“Yes, he has gone to Boston.” - -“I suppose you ain’t heerd of him since he went away?” - -“No; have you any news of him?” asked Mrs. Winter, detecting some -significance in Jonathan’s tone. - -“Yes,” answered Jonathan complacently, and he began to open a copy of -the Boston _Globe_, considerably to Mrs. Winter’s surprise. What could -Ben have to do with the _Globe_? - -Opening the paper Jonathan pointed out Ben’s picture, saying, “What do -you say to that?” - -“Why, it’s Ben!” exclaimed Mrs. Winter in surprise and agitation. -“What’s happened? Has he met with any accident?” - -“No; he’s saved a boy from being bit by a mad dog. You just read it, -and it’ll tell you all about it.” - -Mrs. Winter did read it, and she felt proud of Ben’s bravery. - -“It’s kind of smart of Ben gettin’ into the paper,” remarked Jonathan. - -“Can you leave me the paper, Jonathan?” - -“Yes, I reckon so. I know where I can get another.” - -“Let me pay you for it, and come in and eat a piece of mince pie. I’ve -got one fresh-baked. You were kind to bring me round the paper.” - -“You see Ben always treated me well. Some of the boys plague me, but he -never did.” - -About an hour later Mr. Winter came into the house. He was rather -cross, for he had been doing some chores which would have fallen to Ben -had he been home. - -“I wish I had Ben here,” he said in a grumbling tone. “Like as not, -he’s sufferin’ for his foolishness. I shouldn’t wonder if he was hungry -and wished himself home. What can a boy like that do in Boston?” - -“He seems to have done himself credit there, Mr. Winter.” - -“What?” demanded Jacob. “You hain’t heard from him, have you?” - -“Only through the paper.” - -“What do you mean by that, Mrs. W.? Is there anything about Ben in the -paper?” - -“Look at that, Mr. Winter.” - -Jacob Winter put on his glasses, and stared open-mouthed at Ben’s -picture in the _Globe_. - -“Well, that beats all!” he exclaimed. - -“I guess a boy like that can make his way,” said the mother proudly. - -Mr. Winter read carefully the account of Ben and his exploit, and -hardly knew what to say. - -“He won’t have to fight a mad dog every day,” he observed at length. - -“No, I hope not,” returned the mother fervently, “but it shows he’s -brave. I think this man will prove a friend to him.” - -Jacob Winter went out to the barn in a thoughtful mood. He began to -think it less likely that Ben would “foot it back” to Wrayburn. But -none the less he wished him back. Such a boy would eventually be a -source of profit to him. - -The next day Albert Graham came to the house. - -“I’ve had a letter from Ben,” he said. - -“Is it possible? Where did he write from?” asked Mrs. Winter eagerly. - -“From New York. Here it is.” - -Mrs. Winter read the letter eagerly. It ran as follows: - - “DEAR ALBERT: - - “You see I have got to New York safe and sound. I had a little - adventure in Boston which got into the Boston _Globe_. I know - your folks take that paper, so I need not say any more about - it, except that Mr. Wentworth, whose boy I saved from being - bitten by a mad dog, treated me very kindly and generously. As - my coat was spoiled he gave me an order on a tailor for a new - suit, and told me to spare no expense. My suit cost twenty-five - dollars, so you can judge that it is a fine one. The coat I had - on when I left home was old and shabby, and I was glad to give - it up. A poor boy asked me for it, and I gave it to him. - - “That was not all. When the thing happened my cousin Adelbert - was with me. Mr. Wentworth invited us both to dinner at his - house on Mt. Vernon Street. He lives in a fine house, and we - had a tip-top dinner. You see I was pretty well paid. - - “But that was not all. A new silver watch and chain was given - to me before I left the house, and I was told that I must - consider that a present from Paul, the little boy. You just - ought to see me, Albert, in my new clothes and with my silver - watch. Mr. Winter would open his eyes if he should see me. I - haven’t any reason to be sorry yet that I left home. - - “Now about coming to New York. On the boat I came across the - burglar that tried to rob Mr. Winter, and I caught him robbing - a gentleman’s stateroom. I was in time to give the alarm. The - gentleman is a Mr. Griswold, a member of an athletic club in - New York. He has taken me into his employ for three or four - days till he starts for Europe. I wish he were going to stay - in the city, for I think he would give me a permanent place. - However, I have fared so well already that I guess I can get - along. Please let mother read this letter. I write you, for I - am afraid Mr. Winter might intercept any letter I wrote to her. - I will write her soon and send it to your care. Mr. Griswold - has just come in and I must close. - - “Your affectionate friend, - “BEN.” - -“Isn’t Ben having splendid luck, Mrs. Winter?” said Albert. - -“Yes, and I have reason to feel thankful.” - -When Mr. Winter came in and suggested that Ben was probably “footin’ it -home,” his wife only smiled. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -BEN GETS EMPLOYMENT. - - -Though Ben was well dressed and had a watch, his stock of money was -small. Every day diminished this, and matters began to look serious. - -He made application at various places for employment, but generally -found some one ahead of him. He was, however, offered one place at two -dollars and a half a week, and another at three dollars, but neither -of these sums would pay his expenses, and if he accepted he would be -prevented from securing a more remunerative post. - -After paying in advance the third week’s rent for his room, Ben found -that he had but a dollar and thirty-seven cents left. - -“Haven’t you found a place yet?” asked the landlady. - -“Not yet,” answered Ben soberly, “but I hope to obtain one this week.” - -“I hope you will, I’m sure, for I am a poor widow, and though I should -hate to send you away I must look out for my own interest.” - -“I can’t blame you for that, Mrs. Robinson.” - -“There’s Mr. Snodgrass don’t pay me regular. He’s owing me for two -weeks, and it’s inconvenient. Still he has work, and I’ll be paid some -time. Couldn’t he get you something to do where he works?” - -“I am afraid I couldn’t write stories,” said Ben, smiling. - -“Is that what he does? I thought it was copying.” - -Sylvanus Snodgrass would have felt deeply hurt had he supposed that any -one took him--a famous author--for a copyist. - -“I will try to get something to do this week,” went on Ben. “At any -rate I don’t want to keep the room longer than I can pay for it.” - -Two days later the dollar was gone and but thirty-seven cents remained. -Though cheerful and sanguine naturally, poor Ben felt despondent. - -“I will take any employment that offers,” he said to himself, as he -left the house at an early hour. - -He directed his steps eastward, and soon found himself on the Bowery. - -He had not yet eaten breakfast. He was in search of a restaurant where -the prices would not be too great for his limited means. At last he -found one, where plates of meat were advertised for ten cents, baked -beans five cents, and coffee or tea three cents. - -He entered and seating himself at a table ordered a cup of coffee and -some beans. With the latter were brought two triangular slices of bread -and a small pat of butter that was probably oleomargarine. This made -his meal ticket eight cents, which certainly could not be regarded as -extravagant. - -When he was paying for his breakfast something led him to inquire of -the proprietor, who acted as his own cashier, if he knew of any place -he could get. - -“Do you want work?” asked the restaurant keeper, eying Ben with some -surprise. - -“Yes, sir.” - -“How is that? You’ve got good clothes, and have a watch.” - -“That is true, but I have only a very little money.” - -“Do you mind what you do?” - -“No,” answered Ben desperately, “I am willing to do anything.” - -“Then maybe I can offer you a job.” - -Ben wondered what it could be. Perhaps he was to be offered the -position of waiter. He did not think he should like this, and doubted -whether he could safely carry a pile of dishes without endangering -their safety and soiling his clothes. - -“What is it?” he asked. - -“You can stand at the door and distribute some of my bills.” - -This was distinctly better than waiting in the restaurant. - -“What will you pay?” - -“Well, I’ll give you three meals a day.” - -Considering the character of the meals Ben felt that this would not be -quite satisfactory. He could probably live better on three dollars a -week. - -“I think I ought to have more than that,” he said. - -“It’s easy work,” rejoined the proprietor persuasively. - -“But I shall need a little money.” - -Finally Ben succeeded in making a bargain for his meals and twenty-five -cents a day, payable at seven o’clock when his duties would close. This -was not much, and he could not tell where he could get enough to pay -his weekly rent, but in the low state of his finances he did not feel -justified in refusing the offer. - -“All right,” he said, “I’ll try it for a while.” - -“Don’t give to everybody--only to those who are likely to come in -and eat. I had a boy working for me last week who gave circulars to -five-year old kids, and I had to run up a big printing bill to keep him -supplied. I only gave him his meals, but he was a ragged boy, and you -are so well dressed that it will give tone to my establishment.” - -Ben felt glad that his good clothes were likely to increase his -earnings. He took his stand outside the restaurant and began to -distribute circulars. - -Evidently he created a favorable impression, for several persons of a -grade higher than the ordinary frequenters of the restaurant took the -bills and entered, considerably to the satisfaction of the watchful -landlord. But they were not all satisfied. - -“I say, Johnny,” said a florid-looking man, as he left the eating -house, “I don’t think much of your hotel. I thought from your looks it -was something away up. Do you eat there?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Then I don’t admire your taste. Are you the landlord’s son?” - -“No, sir.” - -“You needn’t expect me to go in again.” - -“No, sir, I won’t. I am sorry you were not pleased.” - -“I shall have to go somewhere else and get a decent meal.” - -“I wish I could,” thought Ben. - -At twelve o’clock Ben felt hungry. His breakfast had been scanty and -did not seem to have staying power. - -“Can I have my dinner now?” he asked as he entered the restaurant. - -“Yes.” - -Ben sat down at a table and looked over the bill of fare. Among the -items was “Roast Chicken--25 cents.” - -“You may bring me roast chicken and a cup of coffee,” he told the -waiter. - -The latter went up to the proprietor and spoke to him in a low voice. -Then he returned. - -“The boss says you can have any ten cent plate of meat,” he said. “He -never gives roast chicken to his help.” - -“Don’t you get it?” - -“No.” - -Ben felt disappointed. Hungry as he was he felt the need of a good -dinner. - -“You can bring me the chicken,” he said, “and I will pay ten cents -extra. Will that do?” - -“Yes; that will be satisfactory.” - -The chicken was hardly as good as would have been given at a -high-priced restaurant. In fact it was rather tough, but then Ben’s -teeth were good, and hungry as he was he enjoyed it. - -He found that he was entitled to a piece of pudding or pie, and -accordingly ordered a plate of apple pudding. - -After finishing his meal he felt better. He resumed his place at the -door, and half an hour later was greeted by a familiar voice. Looking -up he met the astonished gaze of Sylvanus Snodgrass. - -“What does this mean, Bruce?” he asked. - -Ben felt rather embarrassed, for it was not a business that he was -proud of. - -“It means that I have found work,” he said. - -“Distributing bills for a beanery,” said the romancer. - -“That’s about it.” - -“Well, let me see one of the bills.” - -Ben handed him one. - -“Seems cheap,” said Sylvanus, “and suits my purse, for I’m pretty short -to-day. Can you recommend it?” - -“I can recommend the prices,” said Ben. - -“Well, I’ll risk it. I would rather eat at Delmonico’s, but I have no -credit there, and I must e’en take up with a restaurant of a lower -grade.” - -Mr. Snodgrass entered the place and emerged therefrom in twenty minutes. - -“How did you like it?” asked Ben. - -“I have eaten at worse places, but not much worse,” answered the -“novelist.” “I say, Bruce, if you have any influence with the boss, ask -him to supply a better article of butter, I’m not stuck on oleo.” - -“I am afraid I haven’t much influence with the ‘boss,’ as you call him.” - -“You might hint to him that I am the great Sylvanus Snodgrass--perhaps -he reads the _Bugle_--and he may treat me better than the rest of his -customers.” - -“I am afraid he is not literary, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -“Very likely. He doesn’t look intellectual. But Bruce, I am surprised -that you should take such a place.” - -“You wouldn’t be su’prised if you knew how little money there is in my -purse.” - -“I was about to strike you for half a dollar. I suppose it wouldn’t be -any use.” - -“No, it wouldn’t. I haven’t as much money as that. Perhaps Mr. Clyde -would oblige you.” - -“I owe him fifty already. I hate to speak ill of Cornelius, but he is -close. He doesn’t understand the obligations of friendship. Well, ta, -ta! I will see you to-night.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -BEN VISITS MR. SIMPSON. - - -Ben kept at work for the remainder of the week, but felt far from -satisfied with his position and pay. He found that his three meals a -day included only the cheapest and least desirable dishes, and having -the hearty appetite of a healthy boy he felt obliged to supplement them -by ordering extra food at his own expense. - -So it happened that at the week’s end he had but forty cents coming to -him. Another week’s rent was due, and this was all he had to meet it. - -“What shall I do?” he asked Mr. Snodgrass, in perplexity. - -“Haven’t you got something to hock?” asked the writer. - -“What do you mean by ‘hock?’” asked Ben. - -“Pawn, of course. Where were you educated?” - -“I never heard the word ‘hock’ before. I know the meaning of pawn.” - -“There’s your watch, now. You might hock that.” - -“I wouldn’t like to part with it. It was a present.” - -“Bless your soul, nobody likes to pawn his valuables, but everybody has -to do it some time. Did you ever notice that I don’t carry a watch?” - -“You have a chain.” - -“Yes, but that is all. Sometimes people ask me what time it is, and -I answer that my watch isn’t going. So I keep up the illusion. The -funniest thing is that a pickpocket tried one day to relieve me of my -watch. When he pulled out the chain and found nothing attached to it he -looked foolish, I tell you.” - -“I should think he would,” said Ben, laughing. “But where is your -watch?” - -“It’s reposing in Simpson’s safe, my dear boy.” - -“But who is Simpson?” - -“Never heard of Simpson?” ejaculated Sylvanus, arching his eyebrows. -“Why, he’s the poor man’s friend; that is, they are, for there’s more -than one of them. The particular Simpson I mean has an office half way -down the Bowery.” - -“Would he lend me something on my watch?” - -“Of course he would. Let me look at it.” - -Ben submitted the watch to Mr. Snodgrass for examination. - -“That’s a good watch,” said the author. “It probably cost eighteen or -twenty dollars. You could possibly get five dollars on it.” - -“No more?” - -“Yes, if you want to sell it; but you are only hocking it.” - -“How long can I have to redeem it?” - -“A year. The first six months you pay three per cent. a month interest.” - -“Three per cent. a month!” ejaculated Ben in dismay. - -“Of course. You don’t suppose pawnbrokers carry on business for fun, do -you?” - -“But that seems a good deal to pay.” - -“The second six months you only pay two per cent. monthly.” - -“That is a good deal, too.” - -“Well, you don’t have to hock it, you know.” - -“Yes, I must,” said Ben with a sigh. “I must pay my rent.” - -“Then I’ll go down to Simpson’s with you,” said Snodgrass briskly. “I -know the ropes.” - -“Thank you. I shouldn’t like to go alone.” - -“No; you wouldn’t know how to manage. Come along.” - -The two friends walked to Simpson’s, neither having any spare money to -pay car fare. They entered the loan office and waited their turn, for -several were ahead of them. - -An old Irish woman was haggling for a larger loan on a worn and dirty -shawl. - -“Sure it’s very little you’re givin’ me,” she protested. “What will I -do with a quarter?” - -“We don’t want it, any way. You’d better take it somewhere else.” - -“Give me the money, then.” - -The next person was a slender dude, who had a silk umbrella to offer. - -“A dollar,” said the clerk. - -“Aw, that’s vewry little, don’t you know,” drawled the young man. “It -was bought at Tiffany’s, it was, ’pon me honah.” - -“That is all we can give.” - -“Then I must wesign myself to the sacrifice. Pass over the spondulicks.” - -The next person was a young lady with spectacles and wearing a look of -Bostonian culture. She had a broad flat parcel in her hand. - -“What will you loan me on this?” she asked. - -“What is it?” - -“It is a novel in manuscript. I should like a hundred dollars, please.” - -The clerk looked at her sharply as if questioning her sanity. - -“A hundred dollars!” he repeated. - -“Yes; I expect to get five hundred for it. Surely a fifth of that sum -is not too much to ask.” - -“We have no use for such articles.” - -“If you would kindly read the first few chapters, sir, I think you -would see that it had a marked value. Probably I shall redeem it in a -few days.” - -“Better take it to a publisher and obtain an advance on it. It is out -of our line.” - -“I wouldn’t mind paying a little extra interest on the loan,” said the -young lady, persuasively. - -“Couldn’t think of it. Next!” - -“I only wish I could hock some of my old manuscript stories,” whispered -Mr. Snodgrass to Ben. “I’d write some expressly for the purpose.” - -“What can I do for you, young man?” asked the clerk, turning to Ben. - -“What will you give me on this watch?” said Ben. - -The clerk scanned it briefly and asked in return, “How much do you -want?” - -“Eight dollars,” answered Ben, following the advice of his companion. - -“I will give you five.” - -“All right,” said Ben. - -A ticket was quickly made out, and Ben left the office with that and a -five-dollar bill in his hand. - -“You are in luck,” said Sylvanus, when they reached the street. “I -wasn’t sure they would give you five on it.” - -“I shall miss it,” returned Ben seriously. “I don’t know when I can -redeem it.” - -“Oh, don’t borrow trouble! Mine is in for two fifty, and has been in -for ten months. I should have to pay about three and a half to get it -out.” - -“It’s an expensive way of getting money.” - -“So it is, but money is money when you want it. Now I have a -proposition to make.” - -“What is it?” - -“Let us go the theater. There’s a good play on at the People’s. A -dollar will buy two seats.” - -“Then you expect me to pay for both tickets?” asked Ben. - -“Yes; I’ll treat another evening.” - -“I can’t afford it. I have only five dollars and am not earning a -living. I must hoard every penny.” - -“Oh, trust to luck!” said Mr. Snodgrass easily. “Something will turn up -before that money is spent.” - -“It may, but there is no certainty.” - -“At any rate let us go in and get an ice cream.” - -“No, Mr. Snodgrass, I must be very economical.” - -“You ought to have a little amusement now and then,” urged the author, -not concealing his disappointment. - -“So I will when I can afford it.” - -Mr. Snodgrass endeavored to shake Ben’s determination, but without -success, for Ben was prudent and felt that he had no money to spare. - -On his return he paid a week’s room rent to Mrs. Robinson. This left -him three dollars for a reserve fund. - -“I wish I knew how I was coming out,” he reflected anxiously. “I should -hate awfully to fail. What would Mr. Winter say? He would gloat over -it. Any way I can never go back to him. I would rather black boots.” - -Once or twice that employment had suggested itself to Ben, but he had -never looked upon it with favor. It was an honest business, though a -lowly one, but he felt it was unsuited to one of his education and -advantages. - -Selling papers seemed a shade higher and more respectable, and he -decided to inquire into the pay. - -One afternoon, as he bought a paper of a newsboy, he asked, “How does -selling papers pay?” - -Tommy Hooper, the boy addressed, answered, “I make about seventy-five -cents a day, but I have to hustle.” - -Seventy-five cents a day! That would be four dollars and a half a week, -or deducting two dollars for rent he would have two dollars and a half -for his work, and he felt that on that sum he could live as well as he -did now, since he knew of a place where he could buy a ticket good for -three dollars’ worth of meals for two dollars and a half. - -“Was you goin’ into the business?” asked Tom. - -“I don’t know but I may.” - -“I don’t b’lieve you’d like it.” - -“Why not?” - -“You’ve got too good clothes on.” - -“What difference does that make?” - -“I don’t know of no newsboy dressed like you.” - -“It wouldn’t prevent my selling papers, would it?” - -“No.” - -“Then I wish you’d give me a few points. I think I will try it.” - -“Ain’t you workin’ now?” - -“Yes.” - -“What are you doin’?” - -Ben explained. - -“Are you goin’ to give up your place?” - -“Yes, if I find that I can sell papers.” - -“Then I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll change work with you. You give -me a recommend to your boss, and you can take my business. I’ve got a -small route. I serve about half a dozen families with papers.” - -After some negotiation this plan was carried out, and Tom Hooper was -accepted at the restaurant as Ben’s successor. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -RIVALS IN BUSINESS. - - -Just at first Ben failed to make the money that he expected. There is a -way to sell papers as there is to do any other kind of business, and it -took a little time to learn. - -But Ben meant to succeed and in the end he did. The first day he -cleared but forty-five cents, the second, sixty-four, the third, -seventy, and the fourth, eighty cents. - -His good clothes attracted attention, not only on the part of -customers, but also from other boys in the same kind of business. - -This was especially the case with two boys who sold papers near Ben. -These boys, whose names were Patsy Blake and Mike Parley, eyed Ben -askance, and both took a violent prejudice against him, not only -because he was a new comer, but also on account of his wearing clothes -better than they could afford. This dislike was intensified when Ben -began to be successful. - -“Patsy,” said Mike, “did you take notice of that dude that’s sellin’ -papers near Houston Street?” - -“Yes, Patsy, the one that’s dressed like a Fifth Avenue swell.” - -“Yes, he’s the one.” - -“Don’t he put on style, though? I never dressed like him.” - -“Thrue for you, Mike, nor I either.” - -As Patsy was dressed in a ragged suit two or three sizes too large for -him, and Mike’s suit was correspondingly small and equally shabby, the -speakers were unquestionably right. - -“Do you know his name, Mike?” - -“I’ve heern him called Ben. I don’t know de udder name.” - -“Any way, it’s a mane thing to take the bread out of the mouths of poor -boys like you an’ me.” - -“So it is, Patsy. Do you know him?” - -“I went up to him last evenin’, and asked him for the loan of a -cigarette, and what do you think he said?” - -“What was it?” - -“He said he never smoked cigarettes.” - -“Likely he had some in his pocket.” - -“Or else he smokes cigars.” - -“Any way he wouldn’t give me one. I asked him would he go to Tony -Pastor’s wid me, and he said he had an engagement.” - -“I say, Mike, he looks down on the likes of us. What shall we do about -it?” - -“Lick him,” said Mike sententiously. - -“We’ll give him a warnin’ to go somewhere else and not cut into our -trade.” - -“I’m with you, Patsy.” - -“When will we do it?” - -“Now.” - -“Come on, then.” - -Ben had just sold a paper when he saw the two boys approaching. It did -not occur to him that they had any hostile intent till they stopped -opposite and accosted him. - -“I say, Fifth Averner, how’s business?” - -“Do you mean me?” asked Ben. - -“Yes, we means you.” - -“It is pretty fair.” - -“How much yer made to-day?” - -“About sixty cents.” - -“And I’ve made only forty.” - -“And I forty-two.” - -“I am sorry you haven’t done better,” said Ben sincerely. - -“Oh, yes, much ye’re sorry,” returned Patsy jeeringly. - -“Why shouldn’t I be? You work hard, and I shall be glad to have you -succeed.” - -“Hear him talk, Mike.” - -“It’s you that keeps us from earnin’ money.” - -“How is that?” - -“Because you get away with our trade. It’s a shame, so it is, to take -the bread out’n our mouths.” - -“You’re mistaken, boys. I only want my share of success.” - -“You’ve got away two of my customers. I seed ’em buyin’ papers of you -yest’erday afternoon.” - -“I can’t tell your customers. When a man wants to buy a paper of me of -course I sell to him. Isn’t that right?” - -“No, it isn’t.” - -“Well, what do you want me to do? I suppose you came here for some -purpose.” - -“We want you to go away from dis corner. You can go on Broadway, and -den you won’t interfere wid me and Patsy.” - -“But I may interfere with some other boys.” - -“Dat’s nothing to us. Dis is your last day here. To-morrer you must -sell somewhere else.” - -Ben was a boy of spirit, and he did not fancy being ordered away by -rival newsboys. He felt that he had just as much right to sell papers -on the Bowery as any one else, and he did not propose to submit to -dictation. - -“Well, what do you say?” asked Mike. - -“Wouldn’t it be just as well,” suggested Ben composedly, “for you and -your friend to leave the Bowery?” - -“Hear till him, Patsy. Get onto his cheek!” - -“It seems to me, boys, that you would do better to attend to business. -I’ve sold four papers while you have been talking to me.” - -“We’re givin’ you a warnin’! Now, what yer goin’ to do about it?” - -“I’m going to stay where I am,” said Ben firmly. “I have as much right -to be here as you.” - -“It’s mane business for a boy like you to rob poor boys of their -customers.” - -“You talk about poor boys,” retorted Ben, “I’m a poor boy myself.” - -“You look like it, wid them clothes!” said Patsy, with withering -sarcasm. - -“I wear good clothes, I admit, but they were given me by a gentleman -in Boston. It was a piece of good luck. I haven’t any more money than -either of you. I have to live on what I make.” - -This statement the two newsboys did not believe, and their looks showed -that they did not. - -“Me and Patsy are in earnest,” went on Mike. “You’ve got to keep away -from this corner.” - -“And what if I don’t?” - -“Den we’ll lick you.” - -By this time Ben’s spirit was roused. - -“You can do it now if you want to,” he said defiantly. - -The challenge was accepted. Mike dropped his papers and aimed a blow at -Ben. It was returned in good earnest, and then Patsy sailed in. - -Ben now proceeded to business. There was for about a minute a lively -tussle, during which it was hard to tell which was uppermost and which -underneath. But at the end of the first round the two invaders were -lying on their backs, Patsy with a bloody nose, and Mike with a black -eye, while Ben stood erect with a flushed face and somewhat disordered -clothing, a victor. - -Just then a policeman rounded the corner, and hastened to the scene of -conflict. - -“What’s all this?” he asked. - -“Only a little scrap,” said Ben. - -“The two boys jumped on this one,” put in a bystander, “and tried to -lick him.” - -[Illustration: Ben now proceeded to business, and at the end of the -first round Patsy had a bloody nose, and Mike a black eye.--Page 134. -_Ben Bruce._] - -The policeman was disposed to take the side of Ben as the best dressed. - -“Do you want to complain of them?” he asked, turning to Ben. - -“No,” answered Ben, “they are friends of mine. We were having a little -fun.” - -“If they try it again I’ll have some fun with them,” said the officer. -“Now get up and go along with you.” - -Patsy and Mike got up, looking rather sheepish. But Ben’s conduct -impressed them favorably. But for him they would probably have been -arrested and held for disorderly conduct. - -“I say,” said Patsy, “you’re a brick, even if you do wear good clothes. -You saved us from the cop, you did. Here’s my hand.” - -Ben took it unhesitatingly, though it stood in decided need of washing. - -“Here’s mine too,” added Mike. “You know how to fight, you do.” - -“But you won’t make me fight any more, will you?” said Ben, smiling, as -he shook Mike’s hand cordially. - -“No, we won’t. You can stay here and sell papers as long as you like, -and if anybody lays for you just call on me and Patsy.” - -“I will,” said Ben. “I will look upon you as my friends.” - -“I suppose that is ‘conquering a peace,’” he reflected as the two -newsboys left the scene of the conflict. - -“I say, you fought well,” said a tall, well dressed man, who had -watched the fight with interest. “What was up?” - -“They warned me not to sell papers here. They said I was interfering -with them.” - -“And you wouldn’t have it? Good! I admire your pluck. How many papers -have you got left?” - -“Eight.” - -“Here, give them to me.” - -“But they are all the same.” - -“Never mind! I want to help you along. Here’s a quarter. Never mind the -change.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -“How long have you been at this business?” - -“Four days.” - -“Does it pay?” - -“Better than the business I left.” - -“What is that?” - -“Distributing circulars for a restaurant.” - -“Well, that’s satisfactory. Would you like to work in the evening -also?” - -“Yes, sir; I should like to increase my income.” - -“Then come round to the People’s Theater with me. They are bringing out -a piece of mine where a newsboy is introduced. I guess you can play the -part.” - -“I’ll try,” said Ben. - -There was a halo of romance about the theater to Ben’s eyes, and he -felt that he should be proud of treading the boards in even so humble a -rôle as that of newsboy. - -“Come along, then! I will introduce you to the manager. The play is to -be produced for the first time to-morrow evening. We thought we had a -boy engaged, but he hasn’t shown up and we can’t wait for him.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -REHEARSING. - - -Ben’s companion led the way through the stage door into the green-room. -He appeared to be known, for he was at once admitted by the door-keeper. - -“Is the manager in?” asked the author. - -“Yes, Mr. Wilkins.” - -“There he is,” he added, as a pleasant-looking gentleman emerged from -the wings. - -“Halloa, Wilkins,” said the manager. “How shall we manage about the -boy?” - -“I have brought you one,” replied Wilkins, calling attention to Ben. - -“Do you know him? Will he do?” - -“I think he will.” - -“What’s your name, young man?” - -“Ben Bruce.” - -“Ha! A good stage name. Have you ever acted?” - -“No, sir, except at exhibitions.” - -“Are you easily frightened? Can you face a crowd?” - -“I am not bashful,” answered Ben with a smile. - -“Then come here for rehearsal to-morrow at two o’clock. Mr. Wilkins, -you can furnish him with his part.” - -“All right, sir. I’ll take him in charge.” - -The manager, who seemed to be a very busy man, noted down Ben’s name -and hurried to another part of the stage. - -“Well, Ben, it is all settled,” said the dramatic author. “I want you -to do yourself credit, and help on the success of my piece. You have no -engagement for the rest of the day and evening, have you?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Then come home and take supper with me. This evening I will train you -in your part.” - -“I shall be glad to have you do so.” - -“I live on Lexington Avenue near Thirtieth Street. We are a quiet -family. My mother and I make the whole of it.” - -Ben submitted himself to the guidance of his companion, and taking a -Third Avenue horse-car soon arrived at Thirtieth Street, where they -struck off for Lexington Avenue. The house was a plain one, three -stories in height, but looked home-like and comfortable. - -“I’ll take you up to my den, where I do my work,” said Mr. Wilkins. “It -is my chamber as well and you will find arrangements for washing. Then -I will go down and let my mother know that I have invited a young actor -to supper.” - -Ben laughed. It seemed a good joke to him to be referred to as a young -actor. - -In fifteen minutes Mr. Wilkins returned. He found that Ben had availed -himself of the interval to make his toilet. - -“Have you written many plays, Mr. Wilkins?” asked Ben. - -“No. This is only the third. I do some literary work for papers and -magazines, but plays, if successful, pay much better. You see I have a -few books here. You may like to look them over.” - -There were book shelves near the writing desk, containing a -miscellaneous assortment of books, perhaps three hundred in number. - -“You like reading, Ben?” - -“Yes, sir, very much.” - -“You are welcome to borrow books from my library, such as it is.” - -“Thank you; I should like to do so. I ought to tell you,” he added -smiling, “that I have the privilege of living in the same house with an -author.” - -“Indeed! Who is it?” - -“Sylvanus Snodgrass.” - -“I don’t think I know him.” - -“He writes novelettes for the _Weekly Bugle_.” - -“I am afraid I am not familiar with the authors who write for that -publication. What is your friend’s best known story?” - -“I think he prides himself most on ‘The Ragpicker’s Curse.’” - -Mr. Wilkins smiled. - -“I suppose it is hardly in the style of Howells,” he said. - -“No; Mr. Snodgrass is confident that Howells could not write such a -story.” - -“I have no doubt he is correct. But there is the supper bell. Let us go -down.” - -A neatly-dressed old lady was already seated behind the tea-urn. - -“Mother,” said Mr. Wilkins, “let me introduce my young friend, Benjamin -Bruce.” - -“I am glad to see thee, Benjamin,” said Mrs. Wilkinson, with a kindly -smile. - -“Thank you,” said Ben, feeling drawn to the kindly old lady. - -“My mother was brought up a Quaker,” explained Mr. Wilkinson, “and -keeps up the Quaker speech. I have fallen away from it, but I have a -great respect for my mother’s church, or rather meeting.” - -“Thee is very young for an actor, Benjamin,” said Mrs. Wilkins. - -“Yes,” answered Ben, “but I can hardly call myself an actor yet. Your -son is going to make me one.” - -“I am afraid thee is ill advised, John,” said the old lady. “An actor’s -life is full of temptation.” - -“True, mother, but Ben is a good boy, and I am sure he will resist -temptation.” - -“I hope so indeed, John.” - -“My mother is hardly reconciled to my writing plays, Ben,” remarked -John Wilkins. “I cannot induce her to go to the theater and see my -piece.” - -“I judge not others,” said Mrs. Wilkins, “but I have never been to the -playhouse, and I am too old to change.” - -“Still you will wish me success, mother!” - -“I always wish thee success in all things good, John.” - -“Then I hope the play will prove a good one.” - -The supper was plain but palatable. Ben relished the hot tea, the -buttered toast, the cold meat, and preserves, and ate heartily. It was -in refreshing contrast to the cheap restaurant on the Bowery where he -had been eating lately. - -When supper was over Mr. Wilkins rose from the table. - -“Now for business, Ben,” he said. “We must see what preparations we can -make for to-morrow evening.” - -He handed Ben a small manuscript book when they reached the study. - -“This is your part,” he said. “Before each speech you will see a few -words. That is the cue. They are the concluding words of the previous -speaker.” - -The little book contained ten pages, but nearly half of it was taken up -by the cues. - -“It is a disadvantage to you not to know the other parts and the -general drift of the story, but these I can give you some idea of.” - -Two hours were devoted to coaching Ben in his rôle. He was a quick -student and had always been fond of public speaking. Also he had -taken part at home in various little plays at Sunday-school and other -entertainments, and Mr. Wilkins was much gratified by the rapidity with -which he seemed to master his part. - -“There, Ben, I think that will do,” he said when the clock struck nine. -“You have done a good evening’s work, and I think you will make a good -impression at rehearsal. Will you meet me at the stage door at two -o’clock, or let us say, a little earlier?” - -“I will be there twenty minutes before the time, Mr. Wilkins.” - -“By the way, Ben, I forgot to say that you will be paid at least -fifteen dollars a week, or possibly more.” - -Fifteen dollars a week! It quite took away Ben’s breath. Even a single -week at that rate of remuneration would set him on his feet. - -“That is more than I earn at selling papers,” he said with a smile. - -“So I suppose. I think it will be better for you to give up selling -papers on the street while you are an actor.” - -“I can hire Tom Hooper to sell for me. He took my place at the -restaurant, but he has got tired of it already.” - -“That would be a good idea.” - -The next morning Ben met Tom Hooper on the Bowery and proposed to him -to take his place for a time. - -“Why?” asked Tom. “Are you goin’ out of de business?” - -“Not exactly. I am going to sell papers every evening at the People’s -Theater.” - -“At de theayter? Where?” - -“On the stage.” - -“Will you be let?” asked Tom, puzzled. - -“I am going to play the part of the newsboy in the new play.” - -“You don’t say!” ejaculated Tom, opening his eyes wide. “Be you an -actor?” - -“I am going to try it.” - -“I’ll go and see you.” - -“Don’t come the first evening, Tom. I don’t know how I shall get along.” - -“Then I’ll come the second evening.” - -“I shan’t mind that so much. But I must be going to rehearsal.” - -Ben acquitted himself at rehearsal very well, so well that the manager -patted him on the shoulder and said, “You’ll do, my son!” and Mr. -Wilkins shook his hand cordially. - -“You did fine, Ben,” he exclaimed. - -“Thanks to your training, Mr. Wilkins.” - -“And to your own talent.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -BEN MAKES HIS DÉBUT. - - -“Where are you going this evening, Ben?” asked Sylvanus Snodgrass of -his young friend. - -Ben did not care to have Sylvanus Snodgrass for an auditor the first -evening and he answered evasively, “I have an engagement with a friend.” - -“Do I know him? Who is he?” - -“A Mr. Wilkins, living on Lexington Avenue.” - -“May I come too?” asked Snodgrass, who was by no means bashful. - -“I don’t feel at liberty to invite you, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -“I don’t seem to see anything of you lately,” grumbled Sylvanus. “You -were away last evening.” - -“Yes, I was with Mr. Wilkins.” - -“He seems to have cut me out,” said Mr. Snodgrass, displaying some -jealousy. - -“It is because I have a little business with him,” explained Ben. - -“Ha! business? What kind of business?” - -“I may be able to tell you to-morrow.” - -“It seems there is a mystery,” said the novelist, not half pleased. - -“It won’t be a mystery long.” - -Ben managed to slip away unobserved, for he feared that Mr. Snodgrass -might be disposed to follow him. He arrived at the theater in good -season, and there on the large poster in front of the building it gave -him a peculiar sensation to see in the list of characters in the play-- - - JED, the newsboy, BEN BRUCE. - -“I wonder if any one will see my name and know who it is,” he asked -himself. - -“Hallo, Ben!” - -Turning, Ben saw Patsy Blake looking over his shoulder. - -“Are you goin’ into de teayter?” asked Patsy. - -“Yes,” answered Ben, smiling. - -“I’d like to go if I had the price of a ticket.” - -An impulse led Ben to say, “I’ll pay your way in, Patsy,” and he handed -his newsboy rival twenty-five cents. - -“Bully for you! Will we sit together?” - -“I can’t very well. I shall be on the stage.” - -“What!” exclaimed Patsy. - -“Do you see that name?” asked Ben, pointing to the poster. - -“Are you goin’ to act?” inquired Patsy, awe-stricken. - -“Yes.” - -“How did you get the chance?” - -“The manager hired me. The boy who was to act didn’t show up.” - -“I didn’t know you was smart enough to act,” said Patsy, eyeing Ben -curiously. - -“I don’t know whether I am or not, but I am going to try.” - -“Won’t Mike be su’prised. I wish he could go.” - -At this very moment Mike Farley came up, and Patsy enjoyed his -astonishment when the great news was imparted to him that the boy they -had been fighting with the day before was going to act on the stage. - -Ben gave him a quarter also, and felt sure of two friendly auditors. - -“I must go now, boys,” he said. “It is time to get ready.” - -“Who’d have thought Ben was an actor!” ejaculated Mike. “I wish I was -in his shoes.” - -“So do I.” - -“P’raps he’ll give you an’ me a chance, Patsy.” - -“You couldn’t act, Mike Farley.” - -“I kin act as well as you, Patsy Blake.” - -Hostilities seemed imminent, but fortunately a mutual friend came up -and they were averted. - -Ben had to dress for his part. His ordinary suit was thought to be too -good for a poor newsboy, and one was supplied by the management not -much better than those worn by Patsy and Mike. - -Ben was destined to have another auditor known to him. Mr. -Snodgrass, finding that his evening was likely to be a lonely one, -suddenly decided to go to the theater. On looking over the evening -announcements, he was led to think that he would enjoy “The Belle of -the Bowery,” at the People’s Theater. - -Mr. Snodgrass was not always in funds, but he had received two dollars -and a half that day from the _Weekly Bugle_ for a column sketch, and -he felt that he was justified in attending the play. He accordingly -purchased a fifty-cent ticket, which gave him a seat in the balcony. - -“I’d have taken Ben if he hadn’t gone off with that Mr. Wilkins,” said -Sylvanus to himself. “I suppose he can’t afford to buy a ticket.” - -Soon the curtain rose. There was a street scene, in which the -characters were an old man from the country and a tough. There was a -little altercation, and the countryman seemed likely to get the worst -of it, when a newsboy ran in from the wings and sprang to his defense. - -At the first words of the boy Mr. Snodgrass craned his head forward in -amazement. The voice seemed very familiar. Was it--could it be Ben? A -few words more, and he was forced to admit that it was. - -“Well, I’ll be blowed!” he ejaculated. - -I am afraid that these words were hardly in keeping with the character -of a distinguished romancer, but they were actually used by Sylvanus -Snodgrass. - -It is needless to say that Mr. Snodgrass followed the play with the -utmost attention, particularly when Ben was on the stage. Before the -curtain fell on the last act he saw reason to feel proud of his friend -and fellow-lodger, for Ben scored an unqualified success. He was -perfectly at his ease, and threw himself earnestly into the part. He -was not aware of the presence of Mr. Snodgrass, but he looked up to the -gallery and saw Patsy and Mike applauding vociferously. - -Toward the end of the third act enthusiasm was created by a bouquet -which was thrown from one of the orchestra seats, evidently intended -for Ben. - -“Take it up and bow!” whispered the actor nearest him. - -Ben was quick to accept the suggestion. He stooped and lifting the -bouquet, bowed gracefully in the direction whence it had been thrown. -This brought out a volley of applause. - -Mr. Snodgrass felt proud of his connection with the hero of the evening. - -“I know that boy,” he whispered to his next neighbor. - -“Do you indeed? He is smart.” - -“Yes; we are very intimate friends. He occupies a room in the same -house with me.” - -Patsy and Mike also were pleased with Ben’s success. They led the -applause in the gallery, and were by no means backward in their -expressions of satisfaction. - -“I say, Mike, he’s a corker,” said Patsy. - -“That’s so.” - -“I wished I could act like him.” - -“Do you know him?” asked Dick Flanagan. - -“Yes, I know him as well as I know you. He paid my ticket in.” - -“And mine too,” added Mike. - -“I’d like to know him,” said Dick enviously. - -“I’ll give you an introduce some time,” rejoined Patsy. - -The curtain fell at the end of the last act, and Mr. Wilkins, the -anxious author, realized with gratification that the play was a -success. He went round to the stage door, and entering gave Ben’s hand -a hearty shake. - -“You did yourself proud, my boy!” he said. - -“I am glad you were pleased,” returned Ben modestly. - -Others, too, offered their congratulations, including Mr. Thornton, who -played the leading part. - -“You are one of us, Ben,” he said, as he shook hands with the boy. “I -confess I was afraid when I heard that you had never been on the stage -before, but I soon found that there was no reason for apprehension.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Thornton,” said Ben, most gratified. - -“I congratulate you, Mr. Wilkins, on the success of your play,” said -Ben, turning to his friend and patron. - -“You helped bring it about. A good deal depended on your part being -well played.” - -When Ben emerged from the theater he found Mr. Snodgrass waiting for -him. - -“Why didn’t you tell me, Ben?” asked the novelist reproachfully. - -“Were you here?” asked Ben, surprised. - -“Yes.” - -“Who told you I was to appear?” - -“No one. I didn’t know anything about it till you appeared on the -stage. I was so surprised that you might have knocked me down with a -feather. You never told me that you were an actor.” - -“I didn’t know it myself. This is my first appearance on any stage.” - -“You don’t mean to say that you never acted before?” - -“Only at school exhibitions and such like.” - -“Then you’re a born genius, and I am proud of you.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -“And who is Mr. Wilkins--the gentleman you spoke of?” - -“He is the author of the piece. He engaged me to act the newsboy’s -part.” - -“And why didn’t you let me know?” - -“Because I didn’t know how I was coming out. I shouldn’t like to have -had my friend see me fail.” - -“There is no such word as fail--for you, Ben.” - -“I hope so.” - -As Ben reached the Bowery he espied his two humble friends, Patsy and -Mike, eyeing him wistfully. - -“How are you, Patsy? How are you, Mike?” he said, offering his hand, to -the great pride of the newsboys. “How did you like the play?” - -“It was tip-top, and so was you,” answered Patsy enthusiastically. - -“I saw you up in the gallery,” said Ben. - -“Did you now?” asked the delighted Mike. - -“Didn’t I tell you I knowed him, boys?” he added, turning to two or -three friends when Ben had passed on. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -BEN’S LETTER HOME. - - -Ben slept later than usual the next morning. He was awakened by his -neighbor, Mr. Snodgrass, who entered his room, his face glowing with -excitement. In his hand he held a morning paper. - -“Ben, you’re famous!” he exclaimed. - -“Am I?” asked Ben, drowsily. - -“Yes; look at this paragraph in the _Herald_. Or, stay. I’ll read it.” - -He read as follows: - - “At the People’s Theater last evening a new play was produced, - ‘The Belle of the Bowery,’ by the well-known dramatist, Mr. - John Wilkins. It is a local play, and was received very - favorably. It is well put on the stage, and on the whole was - well played. Mr. William Thornton acquitted himself well, as - usual, and Jed the Newsboy, was remarkably well played by Ben - Bruce. We have seldom seen so young an actor who gave so much - promise of future achievements.” - -“That is very complimentary,” said Ben, whose face flushed with natural -pleasure. - -“I should say so. You have achieved fame at one bound. The time may -come, and that soon, when your name will be as well known as mine.” Ben -was tempted to smile at the harmless vanity of his companion, but he -appreciated his friendly feelings, and thanked him for his favorable -opinion. - -Ben dressed himself and went out to breakfast with Mr. Snodgrass. On -the way he bought the _Sun_ and _World_, both of which spoke well of -his acting. - -At the end of the first week Ben was notified that his salary was -ready. It was handed to him in an envelope. He opened it and to his -delight found that it contained five bills of five dollars each. The -manager appreciated the hit his young recruit had made. - -“Twenty-five dollars!” he exclaimed in astonishment. “Is it possible -that I have earned as much as this in a single week! - -“Now,” he thought, “I can return Albert Graham the five dollars he lent -me.” - -He went into the reading-room of an uptown hotel, and sitting down at -the table wrote the following letter. - - “DEAR ALBERT: - - “You will find inclosed a five-dollar bill which is sent in - return for your very kind loan. Don’t think I am pinching - myself, as I have twenty dollars left in my pocketbook. Just - at present I am doing remarkably well, but I have seen some - anxious days since I left Wrayburn. I wouldn’t advise any boy - to leave home unless he has as good reasons as I, or has a good - prospect ahead. I must tell you that before I got steady work - I was reduced to thirty-seven cents, and knew that in two days - I had to meet a rent bill of two dollars. I fully expected - to be turned out into the streets, for my landlady, though - kind-hearted is poor, and could not afford to keep me unless I - paid my rent regularly. - - “You will be interested to hear what I am working at. Well, for - a time I sold papers on the Bowery, clearing about seventy-five - cents a day. But my first situation was distributing circulars, - or rather bills of fare for a cheap restaurant on the same - street. I was paid chiefly in meals, and such meals! Often - and often I wished myself at my mother’s table, or at yours, - where I could get good wholesome food. But I had a chance to - change my business. You will hardly believe me when I tell you - that I am _acting_ at the People’s Theater. I am taking the - part of a newsboy. How well I succeed you can judge from two - or three newspaper clippings I send you. I don’t know how long - my present employment will last. I hope a good while, for I am - much better paid than I could hope to be in any other line of - business. - - “Now how are things going on in Wrayburn? Do you often see - my mother? Please show her this letter and the newspaper - clippings. Give her my love, but you needn’t trouble yourself - to give any such message to my stepfather, to whom I owe no - debt of gratitude. - - “How I wish you could walk into my room and have an - old-fashioned chat. Have you ridden at any races lately? If you - have I hope you were successful. Write soon to - - “Your true friend, - “BEN BRUCE.” - -Albert Graham no sooner received this letter than he went over to see -Mrs. Winter. Jacob Winter had gone to a neighboring town on an errand, -and Albert was glad to find Ben’s mother at home alone. - -“You have heard from Ben,” exclaimed Mrs. Winter, noticing his bright -face. - -“Yes, Mrs. Winter.” - -“How is he? Is he getting on comfortably? Last night I dreamed that the -poor boy was penniless and suffering for food.” - -“Dreams go by contraries, you know. The letter contained five dollars -which he sent me in payment for the money I lent him when he went away.” - -“Then he must be doing well!” said Mrs. Winter gladly. - -“He writes that he has twenty dollars left in his pocketbook.” - -“What in the world can he be doing?” - -“Read his letter and you will see.” - -Mrs. Winter read the letter eagerly. Her face showed the surprise she -felt. - -“Ben acting in a theater!” she exclaimed. “It hardly seems possible.” - -“Read these newspaper clippings and you will see that he is acting -well.” - -Mrs. Winter read the notices, and her eyes lighted up with gladness and -pride. - -“I shall feel much happier now,” she said. “I have been worrying about -Ben, and fancying that he might be suffering.” - -“Ben is smart. He will make his way.” - -When Jacob Winter came home he said to his wife, “Have you heard from -that boy of yours?” - -“Not directly. Albert Graham had a letter.” - -“Beggin’ for money as like as not. I wonder he got money enough for -postage.” - -Mrs. Winter made no reply. - -“If you write to him you can tell him I’ll take him back if he’ll -promise to obey me in all things and work stiddy.” - -“Yes, I’ll tell him, but I don’t think he’ll come.” - -“Then he’s a fool. He can’t make his expenses in York.” - -“Will you pay his expenses back to Wrayburn, Mr. Winter?” - -“No,” answered Jacob cautiously. “I couldn’t do that. Why, it would -cost six or seven dollars.” - -“Then how is he to come back?” - -“He can foot it, and beg his victuals on the way,” suggested Mr. Winter. - -“Ben would be too proud to do that,” said his mother promptly. - -“That’s what’s the matter with him,” exclaimed Jacob. “He’s too proud. -He had a good home here, but he got uppish and must try his luck -outside. You mark my words Mrs. W., he’ll see his folly, and that -before very long.” - -If Mrs. Winter had not read Ben’s letter to Albert Graham she might -have felt troubled by these words, but as it was she remained calm and -composed. - -The fact was that Jacob Winter was beginning to miss Ben. The latter -had done a great many chores, and attended to many little duties about -the farm, which now devolved upon his stepfather. - -Mr. Winter had thought of hiring a boy, but found that none could be -induced to work for him at the wages he was willing to pay. In this -emergency he thought of Ben, who he was persuaded was in a state of -distress, but much as he desired to get him back he was not willing to -advance the money for his traveling expenses. - -The next morning he chanced to fall in with Albert Graham. - -“I hear you’ve had a letter from Ben,” said the farmer, halting his -horse. - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Where did he write from?” - -“From New York.” - -“Did he say how he was doin’?” - -“He didn’t complain any.” - -“What is he doin’?” - -“He has been selling papers on the Bowery.” - -“That’s a mis’rable business. Like as not he doesn’t make over -twenty-five cents a day.” - -“I think he must make more than that.” - -“Did he say he was sorry he left a good home?” - -“No, he didn’t say so.” - -“He’s too proud, I reckon. When you write him tell him that if he’ll -come home and apologize for runnin’ away I’ll take him back.” - -“I’ll tell him, Mr. Winter.” - -“Here he had enough to eat, and likely he don’t get it where he is. -Have you got his letter with you?” - -“No, sir.” - -“I’d like to read it.” - -“Ben wouldn’t want me to show it.” - -“Sho! are there any secrets in it?” - -“You see Ben writes confidentially to me, Mr. Winter.” - -“I s’pose he wouldn’t like to have me know what hard times he has had. -Well, you write him what I tole you.” - -“All right, sir, but suppose he hasn’t got money enough to bring him -home?” - -“Tell him to foot it. He’s young and strong. He can stop at houses on -the way, and ask for somethin’ to eat.” - -“Wouldn’t it be better for you to send him five dollars to bring him -back?” - -“No, Albert Graham, I ain’t such a fool. He would keep the money, and -stay where he is.” - -“There goes a mean man!” soliloquized Albert, as Jacob whipped up his -old gray horse and rode away. “Ben won’t be in any hurry to come back -to him.” - -But Ben’s smooth waters were not to be of long continuance, as the next -chapter will show. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -BEN MEETS WITH A LOSS. - - -Ben lost no time in calling at Simpson’s and redeeming his watch. He -felt very fortunate in recovering it so soon. - -Mr. Snodgrass dropped a hint that he should be glad to have Ben redeem -_his_ watch too, but the young actor did not feel that his prosperity -was sure to be permanent, and ignored the suggestion. In fact his -engagement continued but four weeks, as at the end of that time Mr. -Wilkins’s play had to give place to another attraction at the People’s -Theater. - -“I hope, Ben,” said Mr. Wilkins, “that the piece may go on the road -soon, but just at present we have not been able to find a capitalist -willing to advance the necessary sum. If a new company is organized I -shall try to get your old part for you.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Wilkins. Of course I should like it. But the four weeks -I have played have been of great service to me. Besides paying a debt -and getting my watch out of pawn, I have been able to save up sixty -dollars, which are safely deposited in the Union Dime Savings Bank.” - -“That is good. And what do you propose to do, Ben?” - -“I shall go back to my old business.” - -“Selling papers on the Bowery?” - -“Yes.” - -“It must be slow after being a popular favorite on the stage.” - -“It will be, but I don’t want to be idle.” - -“Perhaps you are right. I will be on the look-out for you, and if I -find something more congenial I will inform you at once.” - -Ben did find it slow work following his old business. He missed the -nightly applause, and the pleasant consciousness that he was earning -three times his necessary expenses. - -But it was agreeable to think that he had some money in the savings -bank to fall back upon. Mr. Snodgrass urged him to use a part of it, -and even hinted that he should be glad to borrow ten dollars, but Ben -knew the novelist too well to feel that it would be a safe investment. - -It was about this time that a young man of twenty took an unoccupied -room at Mrs. Robinson’s house. He professed to be earning twelve -dollars a week in a counting house on Pearl Street as assistant -bookkeeper. - -He was dressed in quite a pretentious style, and had a large stock of -flashy neckties. He had seen Ben on the stage at the People’s Theater, -and this led him to cultivate his acquaintance. - -“You must have saved up a lot of money while you were acting,” he said -one day. - -“A little, Mr. Grayson,” Ben admitted. “I have sixty dollars in the -Union Dime Savings Bank.” - -“Humph! I don’t think much of savings banks.” - -“What do you consider better?” - -“I’ve got a friend doing business in Wall Street. Give it to me and -I’ll get him to buy a few shares of stock for you on a margin.” - -“I think I would prefer to leave the money where it is.” - -“All you will get there is a paltry four per cent.” - -“The interest doesn’t amount to much, to be sure, but the money is -safe.” - -George Grayson did not press the matter, but invited Ben out to play -pool at a place on Sixth Avenue. - -“I never played the game,” said Ben. - -“No matter; you’ll pick it up directly.” - -“But I can’t afford to play it.” - -“It only costs five cents.” - -Knowing nothing of the game, Ben accepted this as true, and curiosity -led him to accompany his new acquaintance. - -“I’ll coach you,” said Grayson. - -They made choice of tables and commenced playing. Two other young men, -friends of Grayson, joined them. - -The game occupied only about ten minutes. Ben succeeded in pocketing -one ball, and naturally stood last. - -“Well, Ben, you’re beaten!” said Grayson. “The rule is to pay at the -end of each game.” - -Ben took a nickel from his pocket and handed it to the attendant. - -“What’s this for?” he asked. - -“My friend told me that the game cost five cents.” - -“Yes, five cents a cue.” - -“Well, I only used one cue.” - -“Come, young feller, no fooling! There were four played, and as you -were beaten you pay for the whole. Fifteen cents more.” - -“That’s straight, Ben,” said Grayson. - -“But you told me it would be only five cents.” - -“Don’t argue the matter or all the boys will be laughing at you.” - -Ben saw that he had been deceived, but took the advice of his tricky -companion. - -“Now for another game!” said Grayson. - -“You can count me out,” said Ben. - -“What! Does it worry you so much to get beaten?” sneered his companion. - -“No, but I can’t afford to play.” - -“You say that with sixty dollars in the bank!” - -“I shouldn’t have it there long, if I played pool every evening.” - -Grayson whispered some words in the ear of the next player and he -laughed rather derisively. Ben thought he caught the word “miser.” At -any rate he had had enough of pool playing, and soon after left the -hall. - -He did not feel very cordial towards Grayson, but the latter made -friendly advances, and as he said no more about pool Ben gradually -admitted him to companionship. - -Two or three times he asked Grayson the street and number of the -business firm which employed him, but only received an evasive answer. - -There came a dull time, so far as news was concerned, and Ben found -that the sale of papers fell off, so that he was no longer able to -earn seventy-five cents a day. This was the very smallest sum on which -he could live even with the strictest economy, and, reluctant as he was -to do it, he found that he must draw some money from the savings bank. - -During Ben’s career as an actor he had increased his stock of -underclothing, and, having only a gripsack, had invested in a small -sized trunk, which he found much more convenient. - -In the tray of this trunk he had placed his savings bank book. He -opened the trunk and looked confidently for the book. But to his -surprise it was not to be found. - -“Perhaps I put it in the lower part of the trunk,” he said to himself, -though he felt sure it had been in the tray. He continued his search, -but it proved to be vain. - -Ben sat down before the open trunk and tried to recall all the -incidents connected with the last time of opening it. But the more he -thought the more puzzled he became. - -Then it flashed upon him that the book might have been stolen. He went -at once to the room of his literary friend, Sylvanus Snodgrass, and -told him of his discovery. - -“It has been stolen!” said Sylvanus instantly. “I introduced an -incident like this into my last serial story for the _Bugle_.” - -“But who could have stolen it?” asked Ben, perplexed. “The servant -wouldn’t do it I am sure.” - -“No, she is an honest Swedish girl. She wouldn’t be capable of it.” - -“I agree with you, but some one must have taken it from the trunk.” - -“Of course! Let me think,” and the novelist leaned his head on his hand -and wrinkled up his forehead in the throes of mental speculation. - -“I have it!” he exclaimed suddenly. - -“What! the bank book!” - -“No; I begin to understand the mystery.” - -Ben regarded him patiently. He knew that Sylvanus would soon impart to -him his suspicions. - -“Last evening I took a walk with Grayson,” said the novelist. “I -noticed a new and handsome ring upon his finger. I asked him where -it came from. He said, ‘It was given me by a friend,’ but he spoke -hesitatingly. ‘It must have cost as much as ten dollars,’ I said. -‘Fifteen!’ he answered. ‘That is, I saw a ring like it in a shop window -for fifteen dollars.’ - -“Depend upon it, Ben, that ring was bought with your money, and George -Grayson opened your trunk and stole your bank book.” - -“I don’t like to think so,” said Ben, troubled. - -“I feel sure of it.” - -“What would you advise me to do?” - -“Go to the bank, give notice of your loss, and find out whether any -money has been drawn from the bank on your account.” - -This seemed to be sensible advice, and Ben acted upon it the next -morning. Mr. Snodgrass accompanied him to the banking house at the -junction of Broadway and Sixth Avenue at Thirty-second Street. - -Ben went up to one of the windows--the one where the paying teller pays -over the money--and gave notice of the loss of his book--giving the -number. - -“When did you see the book last?” asked the official. - -“Wednesday.” - -“And to-day is Friday.” - -“I should like to know if any money has been drawn on it?” asked Ben. - -The books were referred to, and the answer came, “Forty dollars were -drawn day before yesterday. Didn’t you sign the order?” - -“No.” - -The receipt was looked up, and the signature examined. - -“Isn’t that your signature?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Then it must have been imitated. The resemblance is very close.” - -Ben was forced to admit that it was. - -At this moment Sylvanus, who had been looking out of the front window, -came up and said hurriedly, “Grayson is coming, and he has a bank book -in his hand.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -GEORGE GRAYSON COMES TO GRIEF. - - -Ben quickly informed the paying teller of the new arrival, and he and -Snodgrass took a position on the left hand side of the main entrance, -where there was a chance of their escaping observation. - -Grayson entered the bank with a jaunty step and walked up to the window -of the paying teller. He did not stop to write a check for the sum he -wished to withdraw, the check being already drawn and inclosed in the -book. - -According to custom he passed in the book and waited for the money. - -The teller eyed him attentively, but did not do so in a manner to -excite suspicion. - -Opening the book he said, “You drew forty dollars yesterday.” - -“Yes,” answered Grayson composedly, “I thought that would be all I -should need, but I am making a little investment, and have drawn -fifteen dollars more.” - -“Very well.” - -The paying teller took the book and went to the ledger, ostensibly -to compare the signature with that on the check. At the same time he -whispered to a young employee, who immediately left the bank to summon -a policeman. - -George Grayson kept his place at the window, looking more cool and -unconcerned than he would had he known what was going on. - -Somehow there seemed to be a good deal of delay in getting the money. -The paying teller occupied a considerable time in turning over the -pages of the ledger. - -Apparently he had selected the wrong book, for he then went to another -and began to examine that. Now and then he turned his eyes to the front -entrance. - -Grayson suspected nothing at first, but after a while it occurred to -him to wonder why he had to wait so long, especially as two other -persons had come into the bank and were standing behind him waiting for -their turn. - -Thus far he had not discovered Ben and his friend the novelist, but -chancing to turn his head after a time he caught sight of the two. - -Then he understood. - -“I must bolt,” he said to himself, and leaving his place he hurried to -the door. But he met the boy coming up the steps with a policeman. - -The boy spoke a word to the officer, who sprang forward and grasped -Grayson by the arm. - -“What do you mean?” demanded Grayson haughtily, assuming a look of -virtuous innocence. - -“Come back into the bank with me,” said the policeman, “and you will -learn.” - -“I am in great haste,” replied Grayson, trying to shake off the -officer’s hand. - -“Not so fast, my friend,” said the officer. - -“This is an outrage,” blustered Grayson. “I have committed no wrong.” - -“In that case you won’t be detained long. Come in.” - -Grayson, much against his will, had to obey. - -By this time the bank official had come out in front of the partition. - -“This man has forged a draft on the account of another person,” he said. - -“Is the owner of the book here?” - -The teller indicated Ben. - -“This is a conspiracy,” blustered Grayson, but he was slow in meeting -Ben’s eye. - -“Is your name Ben Bruce?” demanded the teller. - -“Ye-es,” answered Grayson in a tone of hesitation. - -“That’s a lie,” broke in Sylvanus. “He has always represented himself -as George Grayson.” - -“I will take him to the station house,” said the officer, “and depend -on you to appear as prosecutor.” - -These words were addressed to Ben. - -Grayson’s face changed. He felt that he was in a tight place. - -“Look here, Bruce,” he said insinuatingly, “can’t we fix this thing? -I’ve got a ring here that I paid twelve dollars for, and I have a few -dollars in my pocket. I’ll give you them, and agree to pay the balance -as soon as possible if you’ll let me go.” - -“Shall I be allowed to do this?” asked Ben, who felt disposed to be -lenient. - -“It is too late,” said the officer. “I will trouble you to come to the -station-house with me to make known the charge.” - -Ben did so, and matters took their course. After some delay he received -back the savings-bank book with the ring and about ten dollars. George -Grayson was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. - -Ben pitied him and would gladly have spared him this, but the law was -inexorable. - -[Illustration: Grayson tried to shake off the officer’s hand. “Not so -fast, my friend,” said the officer.--Page 175. _Ben Bruce._] - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -A STRANGE ADVENTURE. - - -The summer passed slowly. Business was unusually dull even for this -time of the year, and Ben’s earnings were proportionately small. Week -by week he was obliged to draw from his fund in the savings bank until -he had less than five dollars to his credit there. - -He had not written to his mother or to Albert Graham for a considerable -time, not having any good news to communicate. - -How was he coming out? That was the question which he anxiously asked -himself without obtaining any satisfactory answer. He began to think -that he might feel compelled to pawn his watch once more, with a very -remote chance of redeeming it. - -It was about this time that he had a surprising adventure. He was -selling papers at ten o’clock in the morning when suddenly a lady, -handsomely dressed, stopped opposite him and regarded him attentively. - -“Will you have a morning paper, ma’am?” asked Ben. - -“Yes, I will buy all you have,” was the unexpected answer. - -“There are twenty-five cents’ worth,” said Ben, counting them over. It -occurred to him that the lady was a philanthropist, who took this way -of helping him. - -“Here is a dollar. Never mind the change.” - -“Thank you. You are very kind. Will you take the papers, or shall I -carry them for you?” - -“Never mind! Leave them in that doorway, or give them to some other -newsboy. I want to employ you for a time.” - -Tom Hooper happened to be passing, and Ben, considerably to Tom’s -surprise, went up to him and handed him his papers. - -“You can have these papers, Tom. They are a present from this lady.” - -Tom accepted them with pleasure, for he felt sure of disposing of -at least a part of them. - -“Now,” said Ben. “I am at your service, madam.” - -“Please call a cab.” - -Ben complied with the lady’s request. - -“Help me in,” she went on, “and get in yourself.” - -As the coachman closed the door she said, “Drive to the Fifth Avenue -Hotel.” - -The mysterious lady sat on the back seat and signed to Ben to place -himself opposite to her. - -It began to look queer to Ben. If the lady intended to employ him, it -seemed odd that she should treat him on such equal terms. However, Ben -was discreet, and feeling that he would know in time forebore to ask -questions. - -The cab stopped at the side door, or lady’s entrance. - -“You may follow me,” said the lady as she paid and dismissed the cab -driver. - -Ben followed the lady up-stairs to a room on the second floor. - -The lady opened the door and entered. - -“Now sit down,” she said, “and we will have a little conversation.” - -Ben seated himself in a large arm-chair and waited for developments. -The lady sat down opposite him. - -“Are you a good actor?” she asked. - -“I acted a few weeks at the People’s Theater on the Bowery,” answered -Ben. - -It was the lady’s turn to look surprised. - -“Is it possible?” she exclaimed. “You--a newsboy now--have been an -actor?” - -“Yes, madam.” - -“I am glad of it. But how do you happen, after such an engagement, to -be reduced to selling papers in the street?” - -“The play had to give place to another, and I lost my engagement. I had -to live and took up selling papers for want of something better.” - -“I want you to play a part in a drama of real life.” - -“At what theater, madam?” - -“At no theater. You are to personate my son. You are to call me mother, -and your name will be Edwin Harcourt.” - -“But, madam, will any harm come of it?” - -“None whatever. You will be aiding the cause of justice.” - -“Then I am willing.” - -“I have taken the adjoining bedroom for you: go in and put on the suit -of clothes you will find on the bed. Brush your hair carefully, and try -to do me credit.” - -Ben smiled. - -“I will try to do so,” he said. - -“Of course I shall see that you are well paid.” - -“I have no doubt on that point. But----” - -“Ask no more questions now. Dress yourself quickly, as we have a call -to make.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -BEN PLAYS A PART. - - -The suit which Ben had put on was of fine imported cloth, and evidently -expensive. - -It fitted marvelously well as Ben could see for himself. It was better -than the suit he had purchased in Boston, and which was now half worn. - -When he was dressed he stepped into the adjoining room. - -Mrs. Harcourt regarded him with evident satisfaction. - -“The suit fits you admirably,” she said. “It is very becoming.” - -“That is what I don’t understand,” said Ben. “How could you select a -suit for me before you knew me?” - -The lady smiled. - -“Suppose I say that I looked for a boy to match the suit? It shows that -I have a correct eye, does it not?” - -“Yes, madam.” - -Ben had still to submit to a critical inspection. - -“Your shoes need polishing,” the lady said. “Go down below and get a -shine. You will find a bootblack in the lower part of the hotel. Have -you change?” - -“Yes, madam.” - -“Say ‘yes, mother.’ It is as well that you should get used to the name.” - -“But I have a mother. Won’t it do as well to call you aunt?” - -“No; bear in mind that you are acting. On the stage people are husbands -and wives, mothers and sons, for the occasion only.” - -“All right. I will look upon you as a stage mother then.” - -“Yes, but the illusion must be kept--during our engagement.” - -“I will remember.” - -“Now go down-stairs and come back with better looking shoes.” - -Ben went below and had his shoes blacked. When the operation was ended -he went up-stairs. - -He found Mrs. Harcourt dressed for the street. - -“Ring the bell, Edwin,” she said, “or rather go down yourself and order -a cab.” - -Ben started a little at the unfamiliar name. Then he smiled as he -reflected that he was playing a part. - -“All right, mother,” he said. - -“Good, Edwin. I see you are working into your part.” - -In five minutes they were rattling up Fifth Avenue in a cab. The driver, -who had his instructions, turned into East Fifty-seventh Street, and -paused in front of a handsome brown stone house. - -“Is Mr. Anderson in?” asked the lady. - -“Yes, ma’am, but he isn’t feeling well. I don’t know if he can see you.” - -“Nonsense!” exclaimed the lady sharply. “Tell him his niece, Maria -Harcourt, has just arrived from Europe and wishes to see him.” - -“Very well, ma’am,” said the girl, overawed, “I’ll tell him.” - -She went up-stairs and quickly returned, saying, “He will see you.” - -“Of course he will. Edwin, you may stay here until I return, unless you -are sent for.” - -“All right, mother.” - -Ben was about to omit the designation “Mother,” but a quick glance from -Mrs. Harcourt showed that she expected him to use it. - -We will follow Mrs. Harcourt up-stairs. - -In a room fitted up as a library, sat, or rather reclined, in an -easy-chair, an old man evidently quite feeble. He essayed to rise, but -Mrs. Harcourt moving forward rapidly prevented him. - -“No, Uncle Henry,” she said, “don’t get up.” - -She bent forward and just touched his chin with her lips. - -“I am glad to see you, Mamie,” he said. “Have you just returned from -Europe?” - -“Yes, uncle.” - -“Have you brought the boy with you?” - -“Yes, uncle; he is down-stairs.” - -“Didn’t I hear that he was sick with typhoid fever somewhere in--in----” - -“Geneva. Yes, uncle, my poor Edwin was very sick, but fortunately he -recovered and is now the picture of health.” - -“Basil was under the impression that he was dead.” - -“It was for the interest of Basil to report so, Uncle Henry.” - -“I don’t think he had any reason to misrepresent, Maria.” - -“If Edwin should die, Basil’s income would be increased by five -thousand dollars, and the Mordaunts would profit also.” - -“True, but----” - -“Well, we won’t discuss the matter. I will try to think as well of him -as I can. The fact is, however, that Edwin is alive and well. If you -will give me an order on your bankers for the last six months’ income I -shall be glad.” - -“Can I not see the boy?” - -“Certainly, Uncle Henry, but promise me not to keep him long, as I have -to take him to get some clothes.” - -“Very well, Maria. I only wish to see him. I don’t feel well enough for -a prolonged interview.” - -“First, then, Uncle Henry, write me a letter to your bankers, asking -them to pay the boy’s income now due, and you may as well tell them -to remit regularly without further instructions, as I don’t want to -trouble you every time.” - -“Very well, Maria.” - -When this business was over, Mrs. Harcourt went down-stairs, where she -found Ben waiting patiently for her return. - -“Are you tired of waiting, Edwin?” she said playfully. - -“Oh no.” - -“No, what?” - -“Mother,” said Ben a little awkwardly. He had not yet accustomed -himself to his new part. - -“Now, Edwin, listen attentively to what I say. I am going to take you -up-stairs to see an old gentleman, an uncle of mine, in fact, who is, -between ourselves, rather feeble in intellect. Whatever he asks you -answer in such a way as to humor him, otherwise he will become violent. -For instance he may ask you about traveling in Europe, perhaps about -being sick. Fall into his humor, and don’t let him suspect that you -think him queer.” - -“All right--mother.” - -“Remember, I trust to your discretion.” - -“I will do as well as I can. What is the name of the gentleman?” - -“Mr. Anderson. I call him my uncle Henry. Now follow me.” - -Ben followed Mrs. Harcourt up the broad staircase, and into the -presence of the frail old gentleman. Mr. Anderson looked up as they -entered the room and signed for Ben to approach. - -“Come here, my boy,” he said. “I have but little eyesight left. I need -to have you near me.” - -Ben approached and stood beside the easy-chair. - -“Why, you are looking fine,” said the old man in some surprise. “You -don’t look as if you had been sick.” - -“No, sir.” - -“You feel perfectly well, then, in spite of your recent sickness?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“I am very glad. And you enjoyed traveling?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“You are very well grown. I did not expect to find you so large.” - -“He has grown rapidly, Uncle Henry,” said Mrs. Harcourt. - -“Basil would be glad to see you. He thought you were dead!” - -“He looks very much alive, doesn’t he, Uncle Henry?” - -“Yes, yes. And so you enjoyed Europe, did you, Edwin?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -Ben felt a little awkward as he said this, but he remembered that the -old gentleman was feeble-minded and felt that he was justified in -humoring the delusion. - -“Won’t you stay to lunch, Maria?” asked Mr. Anderson. - -“I am sorry we can’t do so, uncle, but Edwin and I have some calls to -make.” - -“Where are you staying?” - -“At the Fifth Avenue Hotel.” - -“I should be glad to have you stay here. The house is large enough.” - -“I wouldn’t for the world interfere with your quiet ways, uncle. -Remember that you are an invalid, and need to have things quiet around -you. Edwin is a boy of a lively temperament, and he will feel more -comfortable at the hotel.” - -“No doubt you are right, Maria. Shall you stay long in the city?” - -“My plans are not formed yet, Uncle Henry, but I will apprise you -of them when I have made up my mind. And now I must really say good -morning.” - -“Good morning, Maria. Good morning, Edwin.” - -Ben shook the old man’s hand, and followed Mrs. Harcourt out of the -room. - -“Well?” said the lady interrogatively. “What do you think of him?” - -“He didn’t seem to me feeble-minded.” - -“Probably not. He was unduly quiet. He has strange delusions, however. -Last night he fancied himself to be Christopher Columbus. I don’t know -if he has got over it yet.” - -“He seems to be a very pleasant old man.” - -“Yes, he was in a pleasant mood. Perhaps when you next see him it -may be different. Now let us go to the carriage. I am going to Wall -Street.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE MYSTERY DEEPENS. - - -The cab stopped in front of a handsome office building on Wall Street. - -Mrs. Harcourt dismissed it. - -“I shall have some other calls to make, Edwin,” she said, “and won’t -take a carriage till I am through. Now let us go up-stairs. - -“Remember,” she said, as they were ascending the stairway, “we are for -the present mother and son.” - -“I’ll remember.” - -“Should anything be said to you answer as briefly as possible.” - -“Very well.” - -Ben felt puzzled. He did not at all comprehend what was going on, but -concluded that it was all “in the play.” - -Mrs. Harcourt opened the door of a large office and entered. Several -clerks were working behind a counter or partitioned wall, which -separated the inner from the outer office. - -A young man came forward and said politely, “What can I do for you, -madam?” - -“Is Mr. Stormleigh in?” - -“Yes, madam.” - -“Give him my card.” - -“Certainly.” - -He returned presently with an invitation to Mrs. Harcourt to follow him. - -“Stay here, Edwin, till I return or send for you,” she said, and Ben -seated himself in a chair near the window. - -In the inner office sat a pleasant-looking man of fifty. - -“I am glad to see you, Mrs. Harcourt,” he said rising. “Let me see, how -long is it since we met?” - -“Five years.” - -“Indeed. You look as young as ever.” - -“I am afraid you are a flatterer, Mr. Stormleigh.” - -“Your son----” began Mr. Stormleigh in a tone of hesitation. - -“My son is in the outer office.” - -“What? I heard a rumor that he was dead.” - -“And that was probably the reason you did not send me the last -quarterly income due to me as his guardian?” - -“Yes. Of course, if he were dead, it would no longer be due.” - -“Thank Providence, the dear boy is in the best of health.” - -“I am heartily glad of it. And you brought him with you?” - -“Yes.” - -“May I see him?” - -“I will call him.” - -Ben was summoned, and Mr. Stormleigh regarded him with evident approval. - -“Really, Mrs. Harcourt, you have reason to feel proud of such a -fine-looking boy.” - -“Have I not? Edwin, shake hands with Mr. Stormleigh. He is an old -friend of mine, besides being your trustee.” - -“Well, my boy, how old are you?” - -“Sixteen.” - -Mrs. Harcourt looked relieved. The age tallied exactly. - -“And now, Edwin,” said the lady, “I won’t detain you. You may go down -at once to the Fifth Avenue Hotel and await me there. Or, if you want -two hours for yourself, meet me at the end of that time at my room. I -am not sure whether you have any money. Here is a ten-dollar bill.” - -“Thank you--mother.” - -Mrs. Harcourt remained fifteen minutes longer, receiving a large check -from Mr. Stormleigh, which she deposited to her credit in the Park -National Bank. - -“What are your plans, my dear Mrs. Harcourt?” asked the banker. “Shall -you remain in America?” - -“I am not sure. I may go back to Europe, taking Edwin with me.” - -“Is he at school?” - -“I shall probably place him at school, but my plans are not fully -formed.” - -“He does not appear to have any resemblance to the late Mr. Harcourt.” - -“Boys often change in looks as they get older.” - -“True.” - -“And you have not seen Edwin for several years.” - -“And then I only had a glimpse of him.” - -“Well, I must really go. I have no doubt you have important business, -so that you will be glad to get rid of me.” - -“I confess that I am quite busy this morning. Call again, however, when -you have an opportunity.” - -Meanwhile Ben went down-stairs, more and more mystified. He thought -Mrs. Harcourt a very mysterious character. - -She had treated him handsomely, however. He had on an elegant suit and -a ten-dollar bill in his pocket. His life seemed to be entirely changed. - -In the morning he had been a Bowery newsboy; now he was boarding at the -Fifth Avenue Hotel. That reminded him that he must give notice to his -landlady that he would not sleep in his room at present. - -“But how long will this last?” he asked himself. - -If only a week he might as well keep the room, as the price was so -small, and he was in funds. Having no urgent business, he decided to -walk up Broadway. - -He sauntered along, looking in at shop windows, and experienced the -pleasure of feeling that for the present, at least, he need feel no -pecuniary anxieties. - -About the corner of Bleecker Street he came near running into his -friend, the eminent novelist, Mr. Sylvanus Snodgrass. - -“How are you, Mr. Snodgrass?” he said. - -Sylvanus turned, and at the sight of Ben in his elegant new suit he -opened wide his astonished eyes. - -“Is it you, Ben?” he exclaimed. - -“No doubt of it, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -“When did you obtain that elegant suit? How comes it that you are -arrayed in purple and fine linen? I didn’t imagine selling newspapers -on the Bowery paid so well.” - -“It doesn’t. This suit was a present.” - -“Which one of the Vanderbilts gave it to you?” - -“It is a gift from a lady.” - -“Is she mashed on you?” - -“The lady must be over forty. She has adopted me for the time being. I -am to call her mother.” - -“Doesn’t she want another son?” asked Sylvanus. - -“I am afraid you would be too old.” - -“Where does she live?” - -“Where I do--at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.” - -“You are joking, Ben.” - -“Not at all. I wish you would tell Mrs. Robinson that I shall not sleep -at home to-night, but will keep my room for the present, as I don’t -know how long the arrangement will last.” - -“Then you are really staying at the Fifth Avenue?” - -“I expect to dine there. My new patroness is in Wall Street, but will -be back by two o’clock.” - -“Do you receive a salary?” - -“I don’t know what arrangements I shall make. I received this this -morning,” and Ben displayed the ten-dollar bill. - -“Is it genuine?” asked the novelist. - -“It looks all right, doesn’t it?” - -“I wish it were mine. I have a story at the _Bugle_ office, but I have -not as yet received any payment on it. I won’t tell you how little I -have in my pocketbook, but I can hardly afford to provide myself with a -lunch, and unluckily I am very hungry.” - -“So am I, Mr. Snodgrass, and I can hardly wait till I reach the hotel. -I will invite you in with me to lunch at the Sinclair House.” - -They had by this time reached the corner of Eighth Street, the location -of a hotel well known to fastidious eaters. - -Ben ate only moderately, but Mr. Snodgrass, who had not for a long time -patronized a restaurant of so high a grade, made an ample meal. - -“That does me good,” he said with a sigh of satisfaction as they passed -into the street. “I wish I could dine here every day.” - -“When your genius is recognized like that of Mr. Howells,” suggested -Ben, “you may be able to do so.” - -“It is strange, the infatuation about Howells,” said Sylvanus. “I am -sure my stories are quite as interesting as his.” - -“No doubt they suit the readers of the _Bugle_ better.” - -“You are right, and yet he gets his thousands of dollars for a novel, -while I--but----” - -“Better days may be in store for you, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -Ben took a walk with his literary friend, and at the end of the two -hours reached the hotel just as Mrs. Harcourt drove up in a cab. - -“I am quite tired, Edwin,” she said, as Ben helped her out, “but I have -done a good morning’s work. Go up-stairs and brush your hair, and we -will go in to lunch.” - -When lunch was over she said: “Of course you are not provided with -suitable underclothing. Go and buy a supply, and stop somewhere and -purchase a steamer trunk. Don’t buy any cheap articles, but spare no -expense. As my son you must be suitably dressed. Here are seventy-five -dollars. Use it as far as it will go, and if necessary you can complete -your purchases to-morrow. Have everything sent to Edwin Harcourt, Fifth -Avenue Hotel.” - -“Thank you. You are very kind,” said Ben, who felt quite overwhelmed. - -“That is all right, Edwin. By the way, it is only fair that I should -make you an allowance. I will begin next Monday morning. You shall have -fifteen dollars a week. That is only for spending money. Clothing and -all necessary articles will be paid for separately.” - -Ben tried to thank her, but she appeared to think it unnecessary. - -“All that is understood, my son,” she said. “Now I must dismiss you, as -I am fatigued, and shall lie down to rest. There is another entrance to -your room. They will give you the key in the office.” - -“When do you wish me to return?” - -“We will dine at seven. If you are not too tired, you can make your -purchases this afternoon.” - -“I wonder whether this is all a dream,” thought the mystified Ben. “If -it is I shall be sorry to wake up.” - -He drew the roll of bills from his pocket, and this gave him an -assurance that it was no dream, but a very fortunate reality. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -BEN’S STRANGE PROSPERITY. - - -Ben had been long enough in the city to know where to go for his -purchases. He laid in a great stock of underclothing of excellent -quality, and bought a steamer trunk, as instructed by Mrs. Harcourt. - -All the articles were sent to the hotel, and in the evening he packed -the trunk. He did not understand why he was bidden to buy a steamer -trunk, as those of the ordinary kind were more capacious. - -The next morning after breakfast Mrs. Harcourt said suddenly, “Where do -your friends live? In the city?” - -“No; in the country.” - -“Have you parents?” - -“Yes, a mother and a stepfather.” - -“Where do they live?” - -“In Wrayburn.” - -“Where is that?” - -“In New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts line.” - -“Do you write to your mother?” - -“Yes.” - -“Have you written since you met me?” - -“No.” - -“Then I wish to caution you not to mention our mutual arrangements.” - -“Perhaps you had better tell me what to write,” suggested Ben. - -“A good thought. You may say that you have fallen in with a lady who is -disposed to befriend you, and who will provide for you for the present.” - -“I will do so.” - -“Don’t mention any names, however.” - -“Very well.” - -Ben would like to have asked why, but did not feel at liberty to do so. - -“Are we going to stay here--in New York?” he asked. - -“Not long. I can’t tell how long.” - -“How am I to spend my time while I am here?” - -“As you please. I only exact that you shall be here at meals. Of course -I don’t want you to get into any scrapes.” - -“I can promise that,” said Ben earnestly. - -“I believe you. You look like a steady boy.” - -“Do you wish me to go anywhere with you this morning?” - -“No; you can do as you please.” - -“Thank you.” - -“By the way, you bought the underclothing yesterday?” - -“Yes.” - -“I will look at it to see if I approve your choice.” - -Mrs. Harcourt looked over the trunk, and expressed her satisfaction. - -“It is quite right,” she said. “I was afraid you would not buy articles -of good quality. Your present position is very different from that in -which I found you, and I wish you to adapt yourself to it.” - -Ben went out, and when walking through Union Square he met Mr. Wilkins, -the dramatic author. - -“Is that you, Ben?” asked Wilkins in astonishment. - -“I believe so, Mr. Wilkins,” smiled Ben. - -“I can hardly believe my eyes. When I last saw you, you were selling -papers on the Bowery. Now you look like a young prince. Is it possible -you have found the business so profitable?” - -“No, Mr. Wilkins, I have had a stroke of luck.” - -“That is easy to see, but of what kind?” - -“I have been adopted--for a time at least--by a rich lady.” - -“How did that happen?” - -“She saw me selling papers on the Bowery only yesterday morning, bought -them all, took me to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and gave me the suit I am -wearing besides a trunk full of underwear. I am boarding there with -her.” - -“That is wonderful. Would it do for me to call?” - -“I think not. She wishes me to pass as her son, and doesn’t wish me to -say much about our arrangements.” - -“What plans has she for you?” - -“I don’t know yet, but I think we shall leave the city soon.” - -“I am glad you are able to give up selling papers. I hoped my play -would be brought out by this time, but there is a hitch somewhere. I -should have offered you your old part.” - -“And I should have been glad to accept it, but I don’t think I should -feel at liberty to do so under present circumstances.” - -It occurred to Ben that he would visit Prospect Park in Brooklyn. -Though he had spent some months in New York he had only twice crossed -the ferry to the large city across the East River. He entered one of -the Fulton Ferry boats, and pushed through to the second cabin. - -Crouching in the corner was a boy about a year younger than himself, -whose sad face and listless air indicated that he was in some trouble. -A second glance enabled Ben to identify him as a brother newsboy with -whom he had a slight acquaintance. - -“Is it you, Frank?” he said, taking a seat beside the boy. - -Frank Mordaunt gave him a puzzled look. - -“I don’t remember you,” he said slowly. - -“And yet we have sold papers together,” said Ben with a smile. “Don’t -you remember Ben Bruce?” - -“Are you Ben?” said the boy, eyeing Ben’s fine suit in amazement. - -“Yes, Frank.” - -“Where’d you get that suit?” - -“The fact is, Frank, I have fallen in with a rich lady, who has adopted -me.” - -“When did all this happen?” - -“Yesterday morning.” - -“Then you don’t sell papers any more?” - -“No; I am staying at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.” - -“You’re in luck, then?” - -“And you look out of luck,” said Ben. - -“You are right there. My mother is to be turned out of her rooms -to-morrow unless I can raise five dollars to pay the rent.” - -“Where do you live?” - -“In Brooklyn.” - -“Have you only a mother?” - -“I have a little brother besides. His name is Alvin. He is nine years -old.” - -“And are you the only one of the family that is earning any money?” - -“No; my mother takes in sewing, but she can earn but little. I’ll tell -you how we fell behind. I was sick of a cold two weeks since, and for a -week I earned nothing.” - -“I remember missing you.” - -“So that we were not able to save up money for the rent.” - -“Won’t your landlord wait?” - -“No; he is a hard man. Besides, there is another family wanting our -rooms, and ready to move in when we move out. But for that he would -perhaps wait for us.” - -“It is pretty hard luck.” - -“That’s so. You see we can’t go in anywhere else unless we have the -rent money in advance. So I don’t know what we shall do.” - -“I do.” - -Frank Mordaunt looked at Ben inquiringly. - -“I am going to supply you with the money. It is five dollars, isn’t it?” - -“Do you mean it?” said Frank hopefully. - -By way of answer Ben drew from his pocket a five-dollar bill and handed -it to Frank. - -“But, Ben, can you spare this?” - -“Yes, easily. The lady who has adopted me gave me ten dollars -yesterday, and says I shall have a weekly allowance of fifteen dollars -just for spending money. All my bills will be paid separately.” - -“It will be a godsend to us, Ben. How kind you are!” - -“I ought to be, as I have been so favored myself. I hope you will see -better days before long.” - -“It may be so. My mother may some day inherit a large sum, in case a -cousin of mine dies. I would rather he would live, but a small part of -what we would then have would make us happy now.” - -“Give me your address, Frank, and I may write to you when I am away from -the city.” - -“Here it is.” - -“I will remember it. Here, take another dollar; I can spare it, and you -may need it.” - -On the Brooklyn side the two boys separated. Ben would have been very -much surprised had he known that Frank, the poor newsboy whom he had -befriended, was the nephew of Mrs. Harcourt, his wealthy patroness. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -MRS. HARCOURT’S SUDDEN RESOLUTION. - - -“Edwin,” said Mrs. Harcourt at breakfast two days later, “you remember -the old gentleman at whose house we called the first day you were with -me?” - -“Mr. Anderson? Yes.” - -“We are invited to dine there to-day.” - -“At what time do you wish to start?” - -“I shall not take you. You would find it very tedious, and embarrassing -also if my uncle should have one of his insane attacks.” - -“Very well; I am satisfied to do as you wish.” - -“I should prefer to stay away myself but I have no good excuse. You had -better make an excursion somewhere as my uncle may insist on sending to -the hotel for you.” - -“Very well, I will go to Staten Island. I have never been there.” - -In due time Mrs. Harcourt found herself at her uncle’s residence, and -was ushered into his presence. - -The old man received her cordially, but appeared to be looking for some -one else. - -“Where is the boy?” he asked. “Where is Edwin?” - -“You must excuse him, uncle. He had a headache, and I sent him on an -excursion.” - -The old man leaned back in apparent disappointment. - -“I am sorry,” he said feebly. “The sight of him with youth, and his -bright face, cheered me up. I wished to see him again.” - -“I am really very sorry, uncle.” - -“Don’t you think he will come by and by?” - -“He may. If he gets rid of his headache.” - -“I don’t know why it was that we thought him dead. Basil thought so.” - -“Such unfounded rumors get currency, uncle; I should not have been -surprised if I had been reported dead.” - -“I hope that will not be for a long time. You look very well.” - -“Yes, I am in excellent health, I am glad to say. By the way, where is -Basil?” - -“He is in Chicago, but I had a letter from him yesterday in which he -says he will be here next Monday.” - -“Does he know I am in the city?” asked Mrs. Harcourt abruptly. - -“I wrote him so. He is much pleased to hear that Edwin is alive and -well, and is anxious to see him.” - -Mrs. Harcourt’s face changed, but her uncle was short-sighted and he -did not observe it. - -“I shall be glad to see Basil,” she said in a constrained tone. “When -did you say he would be here?” - -“Next Monday.” - -“That will come soon.” - -“Yes; I shall feel very glad to have Basil back. He is a great deal of -company for me. He is always kind, always considerate.” - -“So he is, uncle.” - -Those were Mrs. Harcourt’s words, but there was a sneer upon her face -which her uncle did not see. - -“You had better keep him with you, uncle,” she said. - -“I wish I could have you both with me.” - -“I am devoted to Edwin, you know. I am anxious to have him well -educated.” - -“And is that why you have remained in Europe so long?” - -“Yes.” - -“I suppose he can speak both French and German?” - -“Yes.” - -“If Basil were here he would like to converse with the boy in French.” - -“Does Basil speak French?” asked Mrs. Harcourt, in a tone of something -like dismay. - -“Yes; he has been taking conversational lessons for two years. He could -read before.” - -“What was this for?” - -“French is always useful, and he had the time.” - -“Yes; I suppose he doesn’t do much law business.” - -“He has a small income, and will have more, so that he is in a measure -independent of his profession.” - -“He will have more if my Edwin dies. I hope he is not counting upon -that. If he does I shall hate him.” - -“How can you do Basil such injustice? I was not alluding to that. I -referred to his expectations from me.” - -“That is different. In the course of nature he will survive you.” - -“Yes, and by many years, I hope. I shall not forget Edwin either. There -is something very winning about your son, Maria. Even if there were no -ties of blood I think I should like him.” - -Mrs. Harcourt smiled--a peculiar smile. - -“You are very kind, uncle,” she said, “but Edwin is very well provided -for. He has an income of ten thousand dollars.” - -“True! I hope he will live long to enjoy it.” - -“By the way, where are the Mordaunts? They and Basil would inherit my -boy’s property if he should unfortunately die.” - -“I don’t know. I wish I could get track of them.” - -“Where were they when you last heard of them?” - -“Living in Springfield, Illinois.” - -“How were their circumstances?” - -“They were comfortably situated, but had no means, I believe, outside -of Mr. Mordaunt’s income as a salesman. Basil wrote to a friend in -Springfield to inquire after them, but he could not find them.” - -“Probably if they were poor they would let you know,” suggested Mrs. -Harcourt with a sneer. - -“No; Mrs. Mordaunt was always proud, and I fear would suffer in silence -rather than let their wants be known.” - -About an hour after dinner Mrs. Harcourt signified her intention of -returning to the hotel. - -“Don’t hurry, Maria,” said Mr. Anderson. - -“I have some things that require my attention. I will call again soon.” - -“When Basil returns I shall send for you and the boy to dine with me. -Mind, you must bring the boy then at any rate.” - -“Oh, yes, without fail. And so Basil will be here next Monday?” - -“Yes, that is when I expect him.” - -Mrs. Harcourt went back to the hotel in a disturbed state of mind. - -“Basil must not meet Edwin,” she said in a tone of decision. “He would -penetrate the imposture. It is not safe for me to stay in New York. I -must leave the city, and that before Basil returns. Where shall I go?” - -Mrs. Harcourt was a woman of energy and decision. - -She ordered a cab and drove to the offices of the Cunard steamer. - -“What steamer sails next Saturday?” she asked. - -“The Etruria.” - -“Have you any staterooms left?” - -“They were all taken, but this morning we had two returned.” - -“I will take them.” - -“What names, please?” - -“Mrs. M. Harcourt and Edwin Harcourt.” - -“Very good.” - -“At what hour will it be necessary to embark?” - -“At nine in the morning.” - -Mrs. Harcourt bowed. - -“We will be on hand.” - -She smiled a satisfied smile as she left the office. - -“I don’t think Basil Wentworth will follow us to Europe,” she -reflected. “It would be dangerous to have him and Edwin meet. By the -help of this boy, whose appearance does me credit, I shall still be -able to retain his ten thousand dollars a year. I should be a fool to -give it up.” - -Meanwhile Ben had made his visit to Staten Island. Near the Astor House -he had met Frank Mordaunt selling papers. - -“Good morning, Frank,” he said. “I hope it all came out right--about -the rent, I mean.” - -“Yes, Ben, thanks to your kindness--mother felt very happy when I took -in the money and she knew there would be no need to move. She wants -you to come over to supper some evening, if you won’t mind our poor -accommodations.” - -“Don’t forget, Frank, that I am a poor boy myself, or was till I fell -in with the lady that is taking care of me.” - -“What is her name, Ben?” - -“Harcourt.” - -Frank started. - -“We have relations of that name,” he said. - -“This lady is rich.” - -“So is the one I refer to. However, I suppose it is a common name.” - -It was now Thursday. - -On Friday afternoon, Mrs. Harcourt said, “I want you to pack up this -evening, Edwin. We leave this hotel to-morrow morning early.” - -“Where do we go--mother?” - -“I won’t tell you now, Edwin,” said Mrs. Harcourt playfully. “I want it -to be a surprise.” - -The next morning the cab called at an early hour, and Ben and his -patroness got in. Mrs. Harcourt instructed the driver where to go in -a low voice. The door was closed, and they rattled down town through -Eighth Avenue. - -At length they reached the pier, and with some difficulty threaded -their way through the crowd of vehicles. The stately steamer was -already alive with passengers and their friends. - -“What steamer is that!” asked Ben in excitement. - -“It is the Etruria, and in an hour we shall be on our way to Europe,” -answered Mrs. Harcourt composedly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -BEN MAKES SOME TITLED FRIENDS. - - -Ben’s astonishment on discovering that he was starting for Europe was -extreme. His pleasure was as great. - -He had at times fancied that he should like to cross the Atlantic, -and visit the countries and cities of which he had heard so much, -but it had never entered his imagination as likely to happen. He was -surprised that Mrs. Harcourt had said nothing of her intention, but he -was ready to accept things as they were, and his spirits rose in glad -anticipation of the delightful experiences that awaited him. - -“You look surprised,” said his patroness, after communicating the -startling news. - -“Yes, mother, I am indeed surprised.” - -“Are you sorry?” - -“No; I think it will be delightful,” said Ben enthusiastically. - -Mrs. Harcourt looked pleased. It was important that Ben should be -satisfied with the arrangements that were made for him. - -“Are we going to stay long in Europe?” asked Ben. - -“You ask me a question which I cannot answer. My plans I make as I go -along.” - -“Excuse my asking. Of course I am satisfied.” - -On a large steamer like the Etruria it is expensive to occupy a whole -room. Ben found that he had a roommate in the person of a young -Englishman about nineteen years old. He had a pleasant, good-humored -face, that invited confidence. - -“So we are to be together,” he said. “Well, I am glad of it.” - -“Thank you.” - -“I feared some disagreeable person would be put with me. I would much -rather have a boy. If you don’t mind let me know your name.” - -Ben was about to give his real name, but thought in time. - -“Edwin Harcourt.” - -“And are you alone?” - -“No; my mother is on board. - -“You have not told me your name,” suggested Ben. - -“True; there is my card.” - -Ben looked at the card, on which he read the name-- - - HON. CYRIL AUGUSTUS BENTLEY. - -“Honorable!” he repeated, puzzled. - -Young Bentley smiled. - -“You are an American, and you don’t understand,” he said. “I am the -younger son of the Earl of Bentley, and I have a title, but while in -America I don’t want to have it known. It seemed to set up a barrier -between me and young fellows of my age. Besides, you Americans don’t -believe in titles.” - -“Is your father on board?” asked Ben. - -“Yes, my father and mother both. That is why I require a separate -stateroom.” - -“I suppose you are Lord Cyril,” said Ben, who had read some English -novels. - -“No, indeed. Call me Cyril and I will call you Edwin.” - -As he spoke his face was lighted up by such a pleasant smile that Ben -was very much drawn towards him. - -“I shall be glad to feel on such friendly terms,” said Ben. - -“Then let us be sworn friends. Have you engaged your place at the -table?” - -“No. This is my first voyage, and I don’t know the customs of the -ship.” - -“Then let me engage seats for us both. I want you next to me. Will your -mother mind?” - -“I don’t think so, but I will speak to her.” - -“Do go, and at once, for there is no time to be lost.” - -Ben went to Mrs. Harcourt’s stateroom. - -“My roommate wants me to sit beside him at the table,” he said. “Do you -mind?” - -“Who is your roommate?” - -“There is his card. He is a younger son of the Earl of Bentley.” - -Mrs. Harcourt was agreeably surprised. - -“Is it possible?” she asked. “I heard when I engaged passage that the -Earl and Countess of Bentley would be on the list of passengers. How -old is this son?” - -“Nineteen. He seems to have taken a liking to me.” - -“By all means, sit beside him if he desires it,” said Mrs. Harcourt -graciously. “I am glad you have so desirable a roommate. You must -introduce me some time to-day.” - -“I will; I am sure you will like him.” - -Mrs. Harcourt was one of that numerous class of Americans who -are impressed by a title, and she congratulated herself that her -newly-found protégé was likely to bring her into acquaintance with the -privileged classes. - -“My mother is quite willing,” said Ben on his return. “She wishes me to -introduce you to her.” - -“I shall be delighted, I am sure. She is awfully kind to give you up to -me.” - -“I am very glad she has, Cyril.” - -“We will take care of each other if we are seasick.” - -During the day Ben led up his new friend to Mrs. Harcourt. - -“Mother,” he said, “let me introduce my roommate, Cyril Bentley.” - -“My dear Edwin, you forget his title.” - -“At my request, Mrs. Harcourt. I am ever so much obliged to you for -letting Edwin sit by me.” - -“I am delighted, my lord----” - -“No, don’t call me that.” - -“Shall I call you Cyril, too?” smiled the delighted Mrs. Harcourt. - -“Yes, if you will. Will you excuse me now, as Edwin and I are going to -play shuffleboard?” - -“Certainly, but I hope to see you again.” - -“Oh, we shall meet often.” - -Later on Cyril introduced Ben to the Earl and Countess. The earl -was rather roughly dressed, as he had been on a visit to the Rocky -Mountain region. Both he and the countess were pleased with Ben’s -appearance, and greeted him with kindly cordiality. - -“You don’t often meet handsomer boys than Cyril and his young American -friend,” he said to the Countess. “I am very well pleased that Cyril -has found such a pleasant companion.” - -The next day, much to her gratification, Mrs. Harcourt was introduced -by Cyril to his father and mother. In rather a fulsome way she -expressed her pleasure at the intimacy of Cyril with Edwin. - -“You have reason to be proud of your son, Mrs. Harcourt,” said the Earl -politely. “He is a fine-looking boy.” - -“Thank you, my lord. You are indeed very kind.” - -“Shall you remain in England any length of time?” asked the Countess. - -“I may spend a month in London, Lady Bentley.” - -“Then,” said the Earl, “let me ask on behalf of Cyril that you will -allow your son to spend a week at Bentley Hall.” - -Mrs. Harcourt would have enjoyed being herself invited, but the -invitation to Ben was the next thing to it, as he was supposed to be -her son. - -“Thank you for the invitation, my lord,” she said. “I am sure Edwin -will enjoy visiting you.” - -Ben’s evident intimacy with Cyril (for the two were quite inseparable) -made him an object of attention among the other passengers, who paid -court to him as a stepping-stone to acquaintance with the earl and his -son. - -One day a passenger, a New York merchant, said carelessly to Ben, “Do -you know there is a striking resemblance between you and a boy who -played last season in the People’s Theater on the Bowery?” - -“Indeed!” said Ben. “What was his name?” - -“I don’t remember. Mrs. Vincent, do you remember the name of that young -actor?” - -“It was Ben Bruce,” answered his wife. - -“I shall hope to see him act some time,” said Ben, smiling. - -“And I too,” added Cyril Bentley. - -“Wouldn’t you like just as well to see me act, Cyril?” asked Ben. - -“Yes, if you can act.” - -“I can try.” - -“You may have a chance to do so. We shall have some theatricals at the -Hall while you are there.” - -“I am afraid I am something of a humbug,” thought Ben. “I wonder if -Cyril would think any the less of me if he knew that I had been a -newsboy on the Bowery.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE MORDAUNT FAMILY. - - -Leaving Ben for a time we will go back to Brooklyn and make the reader -better acquainted with the family of Frank Mordaunt, the newsboy whom -Ben had so generously assisted. - -Mrs. Mordaunt and her two boys occupied an upper tenement in one of the -obscure streets of Brooklyn, about a mile from Fulton Ferry. Frank’s -earnings were their chief dependence, as needlework is poorly paid, -especially when it is done for one of the cheap clothing houses. - -At seven o’clock Frank came home from New York, where he had been -selling evening papers. - -“How much did you make, Frank?” asked Alvin, meeting his older brother -on the sidewalk. - -“Forty-six cents. I didn’t do as well as usual.” - -“I wish mother would let me sell papers, too.” - -“You are only nine years old, Alvin.” - -“I am old enough to sell papers.” - -“It is a poor business, Alvin. I hope you will never have to do it.” - -By this time Frank had ascended the stairs and had entered the humble -room occupied by his mother. - -“Frank, will you go to the baker’s and get a loaf of bread?” - -“Let me go!” said Alvin. - -“Very well! Here are ten cents. Now come back directly.” - -“Rent day is near at hand,” said Mrs. Mordaunt anxiously. - -“Yes, mother, I think we shall be ready.” - -“I went to the clothing store to-day, Frank, and they told me that -business was dull and they might not have any more for me to do for -about four weeks.” - -“Oh, well, we’ll try to get along, mother,” said Frank, with forced -cheerfulness. - -“It is such a contrast to our former way of living,” said his mother -sadly. - -“True. If father had not made such unwise investments we should manage -very comfortably.” - -“Doubtless he acted for the best, as he viewed it.” - -“Don’t think I am blaming him, mother. But I’ll tell you what is -tantalizing. We are heirs to a property of--how much is it?” - -“Your cousin Edwin has ten thousand dollars a year. Should he die, this -is to be divided between Basil Wentworth and our family.” - -“I wouldn’t for the world have Edwin die, but if during his life he -would give us one thousand dollars, or even half that sum, how much it -would lighten our cares.” - -“Yes, Frank,” sighed Mrs. Mordaunt. - -“Do you know where Basil is?” - -“He may be in New York.” - -“And you have an uncle who is rich?” - -“Yes; Henry Anderson.” - -“They cannot know how poor we are.” - -“No, Frank. I shrink from letting them know. I don’t want to be -considered a beggar.” - -“Nor I, mother. Yet if I were in their places and had poor relations, I -am sure I should want to relieve them.” - -“Yes, Frank, but all are not alike. I am afraid we shall receive little -outside aid.” - -Three days later the landlord called for the rent. In spite of all they -could do they had been unable to make up the necessary amount. It was a -dollar short. - -“Mr. Grubb,” said Mrs. Mordaunt, in a tone of apology, “I can pay you -within a dollar. If you will kindly----” - -“That won’t do, Mrs. Mordaunt,” said the landlord gruffly. “It seems to -me all my tenants are short this month.” - -“I am very sorry, but Frank will call at your office by the middle of -next week, and give you the balance.” - -“But why don’t you pay it now, that is what I want to know.” - -“For the simple reason that I have not got it, Mr. Grubb.” - -“Then you ought to have it. You appear to be very independent, Mrs. -Mordaunt.” - -“I don’t know what you infer that from. I feel very far from -independent, I can assure you.” - -“That doesn’t pay my rent.” - -“I will do as I promised, Mr. Grubb.” - -“And I will give you just twenty-four hours to pay the extra dollar in. -I don’t relish being imposed upon.” - -And the landlord, after receiving what the widow had to pay, left the -room in a huff, slamming the door behind him. - -Frank had listened to the colloquy in silent indignation. - -“I should like to pitch the man down-stairs,” he said. - -“You must neither do nor say anything rash, my son. Remember we -may need to ask his forbearance to-morrow. I am afraid we can’t get -together the dollar he requires by that time.” - -At this moment the postman’s whistle was heard below. - -“Go down, Alvin, and see if there is a letter for us,” said his mother. - -Alvin returned in a minute with an envelope in his hand. - -“It has a funny stamp on it,” he said. - -“Is the letter for me?” - -“No; it is for Frank.” - -“And mailed in London? It must be from Ben Bruce,” said Frank with -interest. - -He opened the letter, when two pieces of paper slipped out and fell to -the floor. - -Alvin picked them up. - -“What is this?” he asked. “See what funny pieces of paper.” - -“They are Bank of England pound notes,” said Mrs. Mordaunt joyfully. - -“Are they money? What funny money?” - -“The two are worth ten dollars. Heaven be thanked! It relieves us from -our present troubles. What does Ben say?” - -This was the letter which Frank read aloud. It was dated at Morley’s -Hotel. - - “DEAR FRANK: - - “Well, I have been in London now for three days, and I am - beginning to enjoy myself. My patroness, or adopted mother, - as I am instructed to call her, is very kind and provides me - liberally with pocket money. I will slip into this letter two - one-pound notes, which I think you will find a use for. Don’t - think too much of it. All my wants are supplied, and I can - spare it just as well as not. I haven’t forgotten though I am - living in luxury now, that I have been a poor newsboy on the - Bowery, and at times haven’t known where my next rent money was - coming from. - - “You will expect me to tell you something about my voyage. - Well, it was a very pleasant one, and I wasn’t seasick at all. - You will be very much su’prised when I tell you that a young - fellow that shared my stateroom with me is the younger son - of an English earl--the Earl of Bentley. His name is Cyril - Augustus Bentley. I must tell you also that I became very well - acquainted with the Earl and Countess, who were also on board, - and who appeared to form quite a liking for me. I am even - invited to visit them at Bentley Hall, and go in about a week - and a half. Cyril was urgent to have me come, and his parents - seemed entirely willing to invite me. I presume I shall meet - a good many people of title there, but I shan’t forget that I - am an American boy, and have reason to feel proud of my birth. - I feel quite as much at home with the Earl as I would with an - American gentleman, and more so than I would with some. - - “Of course my adopted mother is quite proud of the attention I - am receiving from Cyril’s family, and I fancy she would have - liked to receive an invitation herself. But for some reason the - invitation was limited to me--I think it is on that account - that my allowance has been increased, and that’s why I am able - to send you the two pounds. - - “I sometimes ask myself whether it is really Ben Bruce, the - Bowery newsboy, who is about to be a guest in an earl’s family. - I am sure that in my case truth is more wonderful than romance. - I sometimes wander back in thought to my country home, and my - miserly old stepfather, Jacob Winter, who wanted to bind me - apprentice to a shoemaker. I don’t think he would believe it if - I should write about the people I am associating with. - - “I don’t know how long my prosperity is going to last, but I - shall try to save a little money, so that, if I am suddenly - cast upon the world, I may have a little fund to draw from. I - must tell you that I have had presented to me an elegant gold - watch, for which my patroness paid fifty pounds in a crack - jeweler’s store in Regent Street. The plain silver watch I - have laid by, and when I go back to America I shall ask your - acceptance of it, as I believe you have no watch. - - “Well, it is getting late, and I am tired. I hope this letter - will reach you safely, on account of the remittance. After - finishing this letter I must write a few lines to Cyril. - - “Your sincere friend, - “BEN BRUCE.” - -“Ben is a trump, mother,” said Frank, his face aglow. - -“He’s a friend worth having. Now we can await Mr. Grubb’s call without -anxiety.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -BEN’S PROGRESS. - - -Basil Wentworth returned home at the time set. He had been accustomed -to occupy a room at the house of his uncle, and he repaired there at -once. - -When the first greetings were over, he said, “I am anxious to meet -Maria and Edwin.” - -“I have just received a note from the Fifth Avenue Hotel which I will -show you. It should have reached me on Saturday.” - -It ran thus: - - “DEAR UNCLE: - - “I have just received news from England that obliges me to - sail thither at once with Edwin. I am disappointed, as it - will prevent my meeting Basil, who you told me is expected on - Monday. Please remember me kindly to him, and tell him that I - may be able to return to America in a few months, in which case - I shall of course see him. I should be very lonely if it were - not for Edwin, though I may place him at school. I am glad to - say that he has fully recovered from his illness, and as you - can testify from seeing him, he is now the picture of health. - - “I will write you from England. - - “Your affectionate niece, - “MARIA HARCOURT.” - -Basil read this letter attentively. - -“Maria’s departure seems very sudden,” he said. - -“Yes.” - -“Did she mention any affairs that were likely to call her away?” - -“No.” - -“How often did you see Edwin?” - -“She brought him here once. Then I invited them both to dinner, but -Maria only came. She said Edwin had a headache.” - -“What were your impressions of the boy?” - -“He was a fine, attractive lad.” - -“And looked in perfect health?” - -“I never saw a healthier-looking boy.” - -“I am greatly disappointed at not meeting him. It is strange that we -should have heard of his death,” said Basil thoughtfully. “Did Maria -speak of his sickness?” - -“Yes, she said he was very ill, but after his recovery had been better -than ever before.” - -“I’m truly glad to hear it.” - -“You are a good man, Basil. The boy’s death would increase your income -by five thousand dollars.” - -“I would rather live on one thousand than have that young life cut off.” - -“I believe you, Basil.” - -“Maria couldn’t have been in New York more than a week.” - -“About a week, I should think.” - -“By the way, I wonder what has become of the Mordaunts? Considering the -fact that they are so nearly related to us, we ought to know more about -them.” - -“I have no idea where they are. As you ascertained they have left their -western home, but where they have gone I cannot imagine.” - -“If Edwin Harcourt had really died, it would have been necessary to -find them, as they would have been joint heirs with me of my young -cousin’s property. I hope at least they are comfortable.” - -“I think Mr. Mordaunt left a little property.” - -Some weeks later when Basil came home in the afternoon, his uncle said: - -“Well, I have had a letter from Maria.” - -“Indeed! what did she say?” - -“You can read the letter. There’s one passage that will surprise you.” - -It was this: - - “And now, Uncle Henry, I have great news to tell you. Where do - you think Edwin is? He is the guest of the Earl of Bentley, - and staying at his country house, Bentley Hall. You must know - that the Earl and his family were our fellow-passengers on the - Etruria, and Lord Cyril Bentley occupied the same stateroom - with Edwin. The young nobleman took a great fancy to my boy, - and so did the Earl and Countess. They were inseparable - companions, that is Edwin and Cyril, and when we reached - England Edwin was invited very cordially to visit Bentley - Hall. Of course I made him accept, though it will delay my - educational plans for him somewhat. But it will be quite a - feather in his cap to get into such high society. - - “Edwin seems to have done himself credit there. He consented - to take part in some private theatricals, and this is what the - _Morning Post_ of yesterday says: ‘Among the guests of the - Earl and Countess of Bentley is a young American boy, Edwin - Harcourt, who has quite distinguished himself by his success in - private theatricals. We understand that he belongs to a family - of high social position in America, but should circumstances - ever make it necessary, he could doubtless win success as an - actor.’” - -“That is quite gratifying, and surprising also,” said Basil. “Edwin, -as I remember him, was quite a retiring boy, and the last one that I -should have supposed would make a success as an actor.” - -“Boys grow and develop wonderfully,” returned Mr. Anderson. “I can -imagine that Maria is pleased. She was always ambitious.” - -“I don’t know but we are entitled to feel pleased also at the success -of our young relative. It makes me regret all the more that I did not -meet him.” - -In due time Mrs. Harcourt received letters from Basil and also from her -uncle, congratulating her on Edwin’s success. - -She read them with a smile of exultation. - -“All is working well,” she said. “This unknown boy whom I picked up in -the Bowery is turning out to be a star of the first magnitude. I am -bound to say that he is doing me more credit than my own poor boy would -have done. While I can make my relations and trustees believe that -he is really my own son, I shall be entitled to draw on his behalf -the annual sum of ten thousand dollars, which would otherwise go to -Basil and the Mordaunts. How will it all come out? I don’t know, but -with moderate prudence, and especially if I can keep Basil and the boy -apart, it may last for years.” - -When Ben returned from Bentley Hall Mrs. Harcourt received him with an -unusual warmth of manner. - -“I am proud of you, Edwin,” she said. “You have reflected great credit -on me as well as yourself. Where did you learn to act?” - -“I acted for four weeks at the People’s Theater on the Bowery.” - -“Indeed! In what character?” - -“As Ted the Newsboy.” - -“I see. Do you think any one who saw you on the stage at that time will -be likely to recognize you, if he meets you here?” - -“No, I don’t think so. You see,” Ben continued, with a smile, “I am -very differently dressed.” - -“True. Dress makes a great change.” - -“Besides, I pass under a different name.” - -“Yes. Let me see, what is your real name?” - -“Ben Bruce.” - -“Oh, yes! And you say your mother lives in the country?” - -“Yes, in a small New Hampshire town.” - -Mrs. Harcourt seemed pleased to hear this. - -“Perhaps you would like to hear my plans,” she said after a pause. - -“Yes, mother.” - -“I expect to winter in Paris. And, by the way, Edwin, I suppose you -know nothing of the French language.” - -“No.” - -“I shall get you a teacher at once, and wish you to go about the city -also--indeed I shall arrange to have you go with him, in order that you -may learn to speak French as soon as possible.” - -“I should be glad to speak French. I will study hard.” - -“That is well. That will gratify me.” - -Of course Mrs. Harcourt’s chief idea was to enable Ben, should he ever -meet Basil, to hold a conversation with him in French, so that there -should be no suspicion that Ben was not what she represented him. - -Ben thoroughly enjoyed his winter in Paris. He seemed to have a special -taste for languages, for he picked up French with remarkable rapidity, -and made some progress in German. - -“Your son is one marvel, Madam Harcourt,” said Professor Fromont, Ben’s -instructor. “I nevaire have had a pupil more quick.” - -“He speaks French a great deal better than I do, professor.” - -“That is not strange, madam. Young pupils always learn much faster than -their elders.” - -“And I, being an old woman, can hardly expect to keep up with my boy.” - -“Old!” repeated the polite professor, holding up his hands. “Madam -hardly looks twenty-five.” - -“But as my son is sixteen, I must be rather more than that,” said Mrs. -Harcourt, well pleased at the compliment, nevertheless. - -It was in April that Ben had a surprise. He was coming out of the -Gallery of the Louvre when he met face to face John Wilkins, the -dramatic author, in whose play he had first won success as an actor. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -UNWELCOME NEWS. - - -“Ben Bruce!” exclaimed Wilkins in surprise and delight. - -“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Wilkins,” said Ben, shaking his hand -cordially. - -“I had lost sight of you. I did not know you were abroad.” - -“I have been several months in Paris,” said Ben. - -“But how in the world were you able to come? You didn’t make a fortune -by selling papers, I take it.” - -“I must tell you that I have been adopted by a wealthy lady, and my -name is changed to Edwin Harcourt. Mrs. Harcourt wants my past life -forgotten, so I will ask you not to allude to it, nor to call me Ben -Bruce. I am not ashamed of it myself, but as Mrs. Harcourt has been -kind to me, I don’t wish to annoy her.” - -“I understand, Ben, or rather Edwin. I congratulate you on the -brilliant change in your fortunes. Why, you are dressed like a prince.” - -“Mrs. Harcourt is particular about my appearance. But, Mr. Wilkins, -what brings you across the water?” - -“I came to London, hoping to have my last play brought out at some -English theater, but thus far I have met with no success. If I could -cast you for your old part, I should have some hope.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Wilkins.” - -“I suppose you have not played any in England?” - -“Only in private theatricals. Last October I appeared at Bentley Hall.” - -“How in the world did you get a chance to appear there?” - -“I was a guest at the Hall. The Honorable Cyril Bentley is my intimate -friend.” - -“Well,” ejaculated Wilkins, “the way you have got on is something -wonderful. Where are you living?” - -“At the Grand Hotel. I will invite you to come and see me if you will -be careful to call me by my new name. And, by the way, I believe the -Earl has considerable influence among theater managers. I will give you -a letter to him when you go back to England.” - -“I should like nothing better. But I can’t get over my wonder, Ben--I -beg pardon--at the idea of your hobnobbing with an English earl.” - -“I know other noblemen also,” said Ben with a smile. “They are very -kind and agreeable, but I like an American gentleman just as well.” - -The next day Mr. Wilkins called upon Ben at the hotel and was -introduced to Mrs. Harcourt. As he was circumspect and made no -embarrassing allusions to Ben’s New York experiences, he was -courteously received and made a favorable impression. - -A French gentleman also called, and Wilkins was considerably impressed -by hearing Ben converse with him in his own language with easy fluency. - -“I hope you had a pleasant voyage, Mr. Wilkins,” said Mrs. Harcourt. - -“Very much so, thank you,” replied the dramatist. - -“Was the weather good?” - -“Not all the time, but I was not seasick. Besides, we had quite an -agreeable passenger list.” - -“Of course that would make a great difference.” - -“I was especially pleased with a gentleman from New York--Mr. Basil -Wentworth.” - -Mrs. Harcourt’s ready smile froze upon her face. - -“Basil Wentworth?” she ejaculated. - -“Yes, madam. Is he an acquaintance of yours?” - -“Yes, I know him,” answered Mrs. Harcourt slowly. Then she continued -after a pause. “When did you arrive?” - -“A week since. My business was in London, but as I have never before -been abroad I could not resist the temptation of running over to Paris.” - -“Naturally,” she answered, but her attention seemed to be wandering. -“Do you know where Mr. Wentworth is now?” - -“He is still in London, I believe.” - -“Did he mention,” she continued with studied carelessness, “what -business brought him over?” - -“I concluded that he came to see Europe. He mentioned one day that this -was his first European trip.” - -“Very likely. Did he expect to come to Paris?” - -“Yes; but he is seeing London and its environs first. I think he has a -friend or relative over here somewhere, and hopes to meet him or her.” - -The smiling suavity which Mrs. Harcourt showed in the early part of -the conversation was gone. It seemed as if some anxiety were disturbing -her. - -But she felt that she had already said more about this Mr. Wentworth -than was prudent, and dropped the subject. - -Mr. Wilkins extended his call to half an hour and then rose to go. - -“I would ask you to call again, Mr. Wilkins,” said Mrs. Harcourt, “but -I am not sure how long we shall remain in Paris.” - -“Thank you, but my time is up, and I shall leave for London this -evening.” - -“Where are you staying, Mr. Wilkins?” asked Ben. - -“At the Hotel Wagram.” - -“I will send round to you the letter to the Earl of Bentley.” - -“What letter do you mean, Edwin?” asked Mrs. Harcourt. - -“Mr. Wilkins wishes to produce one of his plays in London, and I -thought the Earl might be of some service to him. You don’t object to -my writing?” - -“Oh, not at all. The Earl thinks a great deal of you,” she added with -an inflection of pride in her voice. - -“By the way, Edwin,” said Mrs. Harcourt after her visitor was gone, -“does this Mr. Wilkins know something of your past history?” - -“Yes, mother.” - -“Then request him not to speak of it to any one. I am perhaps foolishly -sensitive, but I don’t wish any one to suspect that you are not my real -son.” - -“Your wishes shall be respected, mother.” - -When Mrs. Harcourt was alone she said to herself: “The danger I have -anticipated is at hand. How fortunate that I know of Basil’s arrival in -Europe. He must not meet me or Edwin. He is sharp, and the meeting may -lead to an exposure of my clever scheme. There is no help for it. Edwin -and I must leave here at once.” - -The next morning Mrs. Harcourt left Paris suddenly, not letting Ben -know where they were bound. - -Two days later Basil Wentworth, who had made inquiries in London and -obtained directions, reached Paris and presented himself at the Grand -Hotel, fully expecting to see his cousin. - -“Mrs. Harcourt?” said the concierge. “She has gone away.” - -“She has gone away! Gone away?” repeated Basil in surprise. “When did -she start?” - -“Two days since--on Tuesday.” - -“Where did she go?” - -“Pardon, monsieur. I do not know.” - -“Did she leave no address, to forward her letters to?” - -“No, monsieur.” - -“Did her departure seem to be sudden? I mean had she been planning to -go away at that time?” - -“No, monsieur. I never heard her speak of it.” - -“And the young man--her son--did she take him with her?” - -“Oh, yes, monsieur. Monsieur Edwin is always with her.” - -“He is a--pleasant boy? Do you like him?” - -“Oh, yes, monsieur. Every one likes Monsieur Edwin. He is _tres -gentil_.” - -“Does he speak French?” - -“Oh, yes, he speaks French extremely well--and German, too, but I do -not know German. I cannot tell whether he speaks it well--not so well, -I mean, as French. He speaks French better than madam, his mother.” - -Basil could not explain why he asked these last questions, but no doubt -there was a momentary suspicion in his mind that the boy with Mrs. -Harcourt was not his cousin. The fact that the boy, according to the -testimony of the concierge, was able to speak French and German, was -calculated to dissipate any suspicions he might have entertained. - -Had Basil known that Mrs. Harcourt was aware of his being in Europe, -the suspicions would have been revived, but this he did not know, as he -did not meet Wilkins the dramatist again. - -Unable to get any clew to Mrs. Harcourt’s whereabouts, Basil was -compelled to leave Paris unsatisfied. He left a note with his cousin’s -bankers, in which he wrote: “I regret very much that I am obliged to -return to America without seeing you and Edwin, but in the state of my -uncle’s health I cannot stay longer. I came over on a little business, -but that was soon accomplished, and I wished incidentally to see -you--some time, perhaps, I may be more fortunate. Now I can only say -good-by.” - -When some time later Mrs. Harcourt received this letter at Geneva she -breathed a sigh of relief. - -“The danger is over!” she ejaculated. “Thank heaven!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -JACOB WINTER. - - -Leaving Ben for a time, we go back to his old home to inquire how his -mother and stepfather were faring. Mr. Winter seemed to grow meaner -as he grew older. His wife often asked herself how she could have -been so foolish as to marry him. All she had gained by it was a home -for herself, but her clothing she was obliged to purchase at her own -expense. - -One day Mr. Winter went to her with a smile upon his face. Some one had -handed him a copy of a New York paper in which an account was given of -the robbery of an employer by a boy named Bruce. - -“You see now what your model boy has come to,” he said triumphantly. - -Mrs. Winter read the paragraph carefully. - -“That boy isn’t Ben,” she said decisively. - -“Oh, no,” sneered Jacob Winter, “of course it isn’t Ben.” - -“Certainly not. Don’t you see that the age of this Bruce is given at -nineteen.” - -“No doubt that is a mistake. Mistakes are often made about ages. -Besides Ben is tall and well grown, and could easily pass for nineteen.” - -“Ben isn’t filling any such position as that mentioned.” - -“How do you know? When did you hear from him last?” - -“Four weeks ago.” - -“A good deal may happen in four weeks, Mrs. Winter.” - -“That is true, but you won’t make me believe Ben has taken money.” - -“None so blind as those that won’t see. I knew no good would ever come -to Ben when he ran away from a good home.” - -“I shan’t borrow any trouble, Mr. Winter. You always were ready to -believe anything bad of Ben.” - -“Just wait and see, Mrs. W. You’ll find out that I am right, before -long.” - -And Mr. Winter with a smile of superiority left the kitchen and went -out to the barn. - -He had hardly gone out when Albert Graham came into the house. - -“How do you do, Mrs. Winter?” he said. “Have just heard from Ben.” - -“Have you? Oh, I am so glad. Look at this paragraph, Albert, and tell -me if it is true.” - -Albert read attentively the paragraph about the young defaulter. - -He said indignantly: “You don’t think that was Ben, do you, Mrs. -Winter.” - -“No, I didn’t think so, but Mr. Winter insists that it was Ben.” - -“Then Mr. Winter is mistaken. How could Ben steal money in New York -when he is in England?” - -“What!” ejaculated Mrs. Winter, dropping her rolling-pin on the floor -in her surprise. - -“Look at that letter, Mrs. Winter! You see it is mailed in London.” - -“Ben in London!” exclaimed the astonished mother. “How did it happen?” - -“I will read you the letter: - - “You will be as much surprised to hear that I am in London, - as I was when I found myself on board the Etruria, and was - told by Mrs. Harcourt, my patroness, that we were bound for a - voyage across the Atlantic. She has traveled a good deal in - Europe, but her start seems very sudden. Well, we had a fine, - smooth voyage, which I very much enjoyed. I must tell you that - my most intimate friend on board was the son of an Earl, and - furthermore that I am invited to make a visit to Bentley Hall, - the seat of the Earl. When you get this letter I expect to be - the guest of the Earl. I might feel awkward, like a cat in a - strange garret, as the saying is, but for my being so intimate - with Cyril. When I used to read the stories of high life in - England in some of the New York story-papers, I never imagined - that it would be my lot to become acquainted with any of the - English aristocracy, but it has come about. - - “I wish you could see me, Albert. I am dressed in the style, - I assure you, for Mrs. Harcourt, who considers me her adopted - son, wishes me to do her credit. Still, Albert, I am the - same boy at heart that I have always been, and nothing would - please me more than to spend an evening at your house and - play checkers. I believe you beat me the last game we played - together. It may interest you to know that I played a game on - board ship with the Earl of Bentley, and I am glad to say that - I won. I don’t think his lordship plays as good a game as you. - - “Please show this letter to my mother, and say that I will soon - write her under cover to you. - - “Your affectionate friend, - “BEN BRUCE.” - -“There, Mrs. Winter, what do you say to that?” asked Albert. - -“Ben is getting on wonderfully,” said his mother. “I can hardly believe -it. It seems like a romance.” - -“At any rate it shows that Ben couldn’t have been stealing in New York.” - -“I am thankful for that, though I did not for a moment believe it -possible.” - -At supper time Mrs. Winter seemed so bright and cheerful that her -husband was not only surprised but annoyed. - -“It seems to me, Mrs. W.,” he said, “that you are unusually chipper, -considerin’ that Ben has got into such a scrape.” - -“I told you, Mr. Winter, that I had no faith in the story--that is, -applied to Ben.” - -“You say that, but I have no doubt that you believe it.” - -“I have positive proof that Ben did not steal any money in New York.” - -“Oho, you have positive proof, have you?” sneered Jacob. “S’posin’ you -tell me what your proof is.” - -“I will, with pleasure. Ben is not in New York.” - -“Isn’t in New York, hey? Likely he isn’t. He is probably in Sing Sing.” - -“Ben is not in this country.” - -“What? Did he escape and go to Canada?” - -“No; he is in England.” - -Jacob Winter paused as he was raising a cup of tea to his mouth, and -stared at his wife with open mouth. - -“Say that again,” he ejaculated. - -“Ben is in England.” - -“How do you know?” - -“Albert Graham has been over here and told me.” - -“That Graham boy has probably lied.” - -“He has received a letter from Ben mailed in London.” - -“I won’t believe it till I see the letter.” - -“Then I will show you the letter,” and Mrs. Winter drew it from the -pocket of her dress. - -Jacob Winter put on his spectacles and read the letter slowly, for he -was not much of a scholar. - -“Do you believe that, Mrs. W.?” he asked when he had finished and laid -it down on the tea-table. - -“Yes. Why shouldn’t I?” - -“I don’t believe it. It ain’t probable.” - -“I agree with you, Mr. Winter, that it is very strange. Still it is -possible, and as Ben has written it I believe it.” - -“If you want my opinion of it I’ll give it to you right now. I believe -it’s about the biggest lie I ever read or heard of.” - -“Ben doesn’t lie, Mr. Winter.” - -“Oh, no, of course not. Well, there’s your letter. When you write to -him send my respects to the Earl, whatever his name is,” and Mr. Winter -laughed heartily at what he thought to be a very witty remark. - -But Mrs. Winter’s mind was greatly relieved. She fully believed in the -truth of Ben’s statements, and was glad to think that he was so happily -situated. - -That evening Mr. Winter had a call from a nephew, a man of about -thirty-five, who had been a rolling stone ever since he had reached -the age of discretion. Mr. Winter received him coldly, as he was -apprehensive that Ezra would be asking him for money. - -“How have you been a-doin’, Ezra?” he asked cautiously. - -“I’ve been doing finely, Uncle Jacob,” replied Ezra in an airy manner. - -“You don’t say so,” returned Jacob, considerably surprised. “What kind -of a business be you in?” - -“Mining business, Uncle Jacob.” - -“You ain’t diggin’ for gold, be you?” - -“No; but I am the agent of some Western mines. I have an office in New -York. How much money do you think I made last month?” - -“I couldn’t say.” - -“Six hundred dollars.” - -“Do tell! How’d you make it?” - -“By selling mining shares. I get a commission. But what I made wasn’t -a circumstance to what some of my customers made. Why, one man bought -five hundred shares of stock of me, and in three weeks the stock went -up four dollars a share. That’s two thousand dollars.” - -“You don’t say? Was the stock high priced?” - -“Only four dollars a share. It just doubled.” - -This was the beginning of a conversation which finally ended in Jacob -Winter’s giving his nephew an order to buy a thousand dollars’ worth -of shares in the Muddy Gulch Mining Company of Nevada. The purchase -represented five hundred shares at two dollars a share. - -“You think it’s safe, Ezra?” asked Jacob anxiously. - -“Uncle Jacob, you’ll double your money in three months, perhaps in one. -Give me a power of attorney and I’ll sell for you at the top of the -market.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -A STARTLING INCIDENT. - - -Though Mrs. Harcourt could have gone back to Paris with safety after -Basil’s return to New York, she decided to remain in Geneva, and did so -through the winter. She engaged teachers for Ben, who devoted several -hours daily to study. - -He fully appreciated the advantages which he had been unable to secure -in Wrayburn, and not knowing how long they might last, made the most of -them. - -He sometimes asked himself why Mrs. Harcourt lavished so much expense -upon him, and, indeed, why she cared to have him with her; for though -always kind, she never showed any affection for him. But he was content -to accept what she chose to bestow, and though he did not love her, he -felt sincerely grateful. - -At the hotel he became acquainted with some American visitors, among -them General Flint, of Iowa. The general was a typical Western man, of -rough and ready manners, but a warm heart. He seemed to be especially -interested in Ben, and invited him on several excursions, including one -to the Mer de Glace. Mrs. Harcourt had been there in a previous year, -and did not care to join the party. - -“Edwin,” he said one day, “it’s a great pity you are not a poor boy.” - -“Why?” asked Ben, smiling. - -“Because you would make your way. You have grit.” - -“I am glad you judge so favorably of me, General Flint.” - -Ben did not venture to tell his companion that he was really a poor -boy, as Mrs. Harcourt would have been displeased to have it known that -he was not really her son. - -“Were you a poor boy?” asked Ben, after a pause. - -“Yes. At your age I had to hustle for a living.” - -“You seem to have succeeded.” - -“Yes,” answered the general complacently. “I don’t like to boast, but I -suppose I may be worth not far from half a million dollars.” - -“I think I could live on the income of that,” said Ben with a smile. -“If you don’t mind telling me, how did you make your money?” - -“I made the first thousand dollars in the woods; in fact, as a -woodchopper. Then I bought a considerable tract of woodland, agreeing -to pay on instalments. I hired men to help me clear it, and became -quite a lumber king. I have large tracts of land now, which yield me a -handsome revenue. I shouldn’t like to go through those early days of -hard work again.” - -“I can hardly imagine you chopping down trees, General Flint.” - -“Perhaps not, Edwin, but I could do it still,” and the general -straightened up his tall and slender form. “Why, I’m only fifty-five, -and there is Gladstone, who is at least twenty years older, makes -nothing of going out before breakfast and cutting down a tree. Do you -remember your father, Edwin?” - -“Yes,” answered Ben briefly, for he felt that they were getting on -dangerous ground. - -“Your mother seems to be pretty well fixed.” - -“Yes.” - -“No doubt she’s as well off as I am,” suggested the general, who was -not without his share of American curiosity. - -“She never speaks to me of her property,” said Ben, “but we always -travel in first-class style and put up at the best hotels.” - -“So that I am afraid you will never have to hustle for yourself.” - -Ben smiled. - -“I don’t know. Stranger things have happened,” he answered. - -“Well, if it comes, you’ll always have a friend in Obed Flint. - -“Do you think your mother would favor a second marriage?” asked the -general, after a pause. - -Ben regarded his companion with surprise, but he had such a -matter-of-fact manner that he concluded he must be in earnest, strange -as the question was. - -“I don’t know,” he answered. “I never heard her express herself on the -subject.” - -“You see, I am alone in the world. I was married at twenty-two, but my -wife died before I was twenty-five, leaving neither chick nor child. -So I have remained unmarried. I have sometimes thought I should like -to build a fine house in Davenport (that’s where I live) and have a -stylish woman at the head of it. Now, your mother is very stylish; she -would do me credit. But perhaps you would object to her marrying again?” - -“I should have no right to object, General Flint.” - -“I don’t know about that. As an only son you might think it was some -business of yours. But I’ll say one thing, Edwin--I shouldn’t want any -of her money. I should be perfectly willing that she should leave it -all to you.” - -“If my mother were to marry again, I would as soon have her marry you, -as any one.” - -“Thank you, my boy,” and the old general clasped the hand of his young -companion. “I don’t know as I shall do anything about it, but if I see -the way clear, I may propose.” - -About a week later, to Mrs. Harcourt’s intense astonishment, General -Flint made her a matrimonial offer. - -“I don’t want any of your money, ma’am,” he said bluntly. “You can save -it all for the boy. I’ve got a good fortune myself, and I mean to live -in fine style.” - -“Thank you, General Flint,” said the widow. “I own that I am surprised, -for I had no idea you had thought of me in any such connection. I -hope,” she added smiling, “it won’t be a very serious blow to your -happiness if I say that I should rather remain a widow.” - -“No, ma’am, I can’t say it will. When a man is over fifty his heart -gets a little tough. Still I may say that I admire you very much and -look upon you as a very stylish woman. I should like to introduce you -to my friends as Mrs. General Flint.” - -“Thank you, general. In refusing your proposal I don’t mind assuring -you that I am not likely to marry any one else.” - -“That’s something. Then you have no personal objection to me?” - -“Not at all. I feel very friendly to you. May I ask how you happened to -think of marrying me?” - -“Well, I took a notion to your son, Edwin, first, and then it was -natural that I should think of his mother.” - -“Then I am indebted to Edwin for your offer, general?” said Mrs. -Harcourt, smiling. - -“Well, yes, in a measure. He’s a very fine boy.” - -“But you don’t find that he resembles me?” - -“No, I can’t see much resemblance.” - -“I don’t think there is much.” - -“Probably he resembles his father.” - -“Very probably. I am not a judge on that point.” - -Mrs. Harcourt’s refusal did not alter the friendly relations between -Ben and the general. They continued to spend considerable time -together. Mrs. Harcourt was so familiar with Switzerland that she did -not care to go on many excursions, while he enjoyed them. So he and -General Flint were often companions, and the latter extended his stay -in Geneva considerably beyond his original intention. - -One day in early June on returning rather late in the afternoon from -an Alpine jaunt of three days, Ben was received by the servant who -admitted him with a grave look. - -“Madame, your mother, is very sick, Monsieur Edwin,” he said. - -Ben was startled. - -“What is the matter?” - -“She has had a shock, I think the doctor said.” - -“Can I see her?” - -“Yes, she wishes to see you.” - -Ben hastened to Mrs. Harcourt’s chamber. She was lying on the bed, -looking pale, with the drawn face that suggests a paralytic stroke. - -“I am very sorry to see you in this state, mother,” said Ben, in a tone -of sympathy. “When were you attacked?” - -“Yesterday,” said Mrs. Harcourt, speaking with difficulty. - -“Are you feeling better now?” - -“No, Edwin. I have a presentiment that I shall never be any better.” - -“Oh, don’t say that!” exclaimed Ben, really grieved, for the thought of -all the benefits he had received from this woman, upon whom he had no -claim, gave rise to a strong feeling of gratitude. - -“I don’t think I am mistaken. I don’t think I shall live long. It is -necessary that I should give you some directions in case of the worst. -You see my desk upon the table?” - -“Yes.” - -“If I am taken away, open it and you will find a sealed letter -addressed to yourself. You will read it at once, for it contains my -instructions to you.” - -“I will do so, mother.” - -For a week Mrs. Harcourt lingered. She seemed to like to have Ben with -her, and he showed the devotion of a real son. But on the eighth day -she died very suddenly of heart failure, and Ben found himself alone in -a strange land with a heavy responsibility laid upon him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -MRS. HARCOURT’S LETTER. - - -It was certainly a trying position in which Ben was placed. He was only -a boy of sixteen, and he found a man’s responsibility thrown upon him. -In this juncture General Flint came to his assistance and practically -took charge of the funeral arrangements. - -According to instructions Ben opened the desk of his patroness, and -found the sealed letter which he opened. It had been written since Mrs. -Harcourt came to Geneva. - -There were parts of it that surprised Ben not a little. The material -portions are given below. - - “Though I am in perfect health, so far as I know, there is a - presentiment on my mind that I shall not live long. Should any - sudden end come it is absolutely necessary that you should have - an explanation of my selecting you as my companion and adopted - son. I hope that what I may have to say will not entirely - destroy your regard for me. - - “My own son, Edwin, for whom you are named, died about a - year since and his body lies in Lausanne. I will not dwell - upon my grief for the death of my only son. That will be - understood. But apart from this his death brought me pecuniary - embarrassment. He received by the will of his grandfather - an income of ten thousand dollars a year, which was at my - disposal. For myself, I am comparatively poor. I have about - forty thousand dollars, but the income of this would not be - adequate to keep up the style and rate of expenditure to which - I have been accustomed. I was tempted therefore to conceal the - poor boy’s death. I sailed for New York, and on the Bowery - I met you. You were of the right age and bore a sufficient - resemblance to Edwin to enable me to carry on the imposture - which I planned. You know how I attached you to myself, and - dressed you so that you might pass for my son. There was danger - of discovery. For this reason, though I carried you with me to - the house of my uncle, I only made one call, and relied upon - his short-sightedness not to discover the deception. As he - might ask you some embarrassing questions, I warned you that - his mind was affected, so that they might not give rise to - any suspicions in your mind, for I feared that you would not - consent to play the part I designed for you if you thought it - would be aiding and abetting fraud. - - “The person whom I feared most was my cousin Basil Wentworth. - He was not short-sighted, and he might very possibly remember - my son Edwin, though he had not seen him for several years. - Of course I was delighted to find that he was in Chicago. But - suddenly, while dining at my uncle’s table, I was informed that - in a few days he would be back in New York. I decided at once - to go back to Europe, and lest you should object I said nothing - to you about my plan till we were on the Etruria. After the - steamer was under way I felt relieved. The danger was passed. - - “On learning to know you better I found that I had made - a fortunate selection. You had the looks and bearing of - a gentleman and won the favor of all, even those of high - position, as in the case of the Earl of Bentley and his family. - I was proud of your social successes, since it reflected credit - on me, who was supposed to be your mother. - - “You remember how suddenly I left Paris. It was because I heard - that Basil was in London, and likely any day to run over to - Paris. He would undoubtedly ask you questions which would - reveal the deception which I had practised. I came to Geneva, - and finding it an agreeable residence I have remained here. - - “Now let me tell you whom I have wronged. The income of my poor - boy was, at his death, to to be divided equally between Basil - Wentworth and a cousin who married a man named Mordaunt, and - was at last accounts residing in Illinois.” - -Ben started in surprise. He remembered that Frank Mordaunt had told him -of his former residence in Illinois. - -“Can it be possible,” he asked himself, “that Frank’s family will -inherit five thousand dollars income when this deception is made known? -I heartily hope so. It would relieve them from all anxiety.” - -Ben was of a generous disposition, and the thought of his own loss did -not occur to him. - - “Should I be taken away, in which case and only then, this - letter will fall into your hands, I desire as far as possible - to repair the great wrong which I have done. I therefore ask - you to telegraph at once to Basil Wentworth that I am dead, and - request him, if possible, to come immediately to Europe, as - you are too young to meet the responsibility which would fall - upon you. It is my desire that the money due to Basil and the - Mordaunts should be given to them, and the year’s income which - has been paid to me for you should be paid over by my bankers. - I have a will in the hands of John Munroe & Co., the Paris - bankers, and upon the receipt of an order it will be delivered - to Basil, whom I have designated as my executor. - - “And now, Edwin, as I have learned to call you, I will close - this letter. I have made it as definite as possible. During - the time you have been with me I have formed an attachment to - you. I earnestly hope that you may live long and prosper, and - that you will never regret meeting with the mother of Edwin - Harcourt.” - -There was a certain pathos about this letter, and the tears rose to -Ben’s eyes. He could not realize that the woman with whom he had been -constantly associated for nearly a year, was really dead and that he -would see her no more. - -“I suppose we ought to telegraph to Mrs. Harcourt’s relatives,” said -Ben, referring to General Flint. - -“That seems to me the best thing to do, Ben. Do you know where they -live?” - -“Both in New York, and both in the same house. Mr. Anderson is the -uncle of Mr. Wentworth.” - -In the desk Edwin found nearly a thousand dollars, so that he was -provided with money to pay Mrs. Harcourt’s funeral expenses. - -“If there had been any difficulty, Edwin, I would have seen you -through,” said his friend General Flint. “And that reminds me, your -adopted mother says nothing of any provision for you.” - -“No,” said Ben. - -“What will you do if you are left out in the cold?” - -“I have about one hundred and fifty dollars saved up from my allowance, -which has been liberal.” - -“That won’t go far.” - -“No; but I won’t borrow trouble.” - -“There is no occasion to do so. You have a friend in Obed Flint.” - -“Thank you,” said Ben gratefully. “If I need a friend there is no one I -would sooner apply to than you.” - -This was the form of telegram which Ben sent to Basil Wentworth: - - “Mrs. Harcourt is dead. Will you come on? She instructed me to - send for you.” - -This telegram, after some consideration, Ben signed “Edwin” as he could -not explain that he had no claim to this name. The explanation would -come later on. - -He received an answer the same day. It ran thus: - - “EDWIN HARCOURT: - “I will sail by the next steamer. Accept my sympathy. - “BASIL WENTWORTH.” - -“You have done all you could, Edwin,” said the general. “There is -nothing to do but to wait till Mr. Wentworth arrives.” - -“Will you stay also?” asked Ben anxiously. - -“Yes, my boy. General Obed Flint is not the man to desert a friend when -he needs him as much as you do.” - -Ben also wrote a letter to Frank Mordaunt. - - “If you are nearly related to Mrs. Harcourt,” he said, “I think - you must be the heir to her son, who died more than a year - since. Mr. Basil Wentworth, who is joint heir with you, is on - his way to Europe, and will communicate with you. He had lost - all traces of your family, but I think myself fortunate in - being able to put him on your track. Hereafter, Frank, you will - have no money troubles, and no one will rejoice more over your - good fortune than your friend Ben Bruce.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -BASIL WENTWORTH REACHES GENEVA. - - -Ten days later a servant came to Ben’s room with a card. - -It bore the name of Basil Wentworth. - -“Show the gentleman up,” he said. - -As Basil entered the room, his face wore a look of sympathy. - -“My dear Edwin,” he said, “I cannot tell you how much I sympathize with -you in your sudden bereavement.” - -He surveyed Ben with interest and curiosity and was forced to admit -that he was a most attractive boy. - -“You, at any rate look the picture of health,” he said. - -“Yes, Mr. Wentworth, but you are under a mistake. My name is not Edwin -Harcourt, but Ben Bruce.” - -“Where then is Edwin?” asked Basil in great surprise. - -“He died over a year since. Mrs. Harcourt seems to have adopted me in -his place.” - -“But in that case,” and Basil stopped short, for he did not like to -speak ill of the dead. - -“I know what you would say, Mr. Wentworth, but if any wrong has -been done it will be repaired. I have a letter here written by Mrs. -Harcourt, which I opened after her death. It will explain all.” - -Basil Wentworth read the letter in silence. - -“So far as I am concerned,” he said, “I freely forgive my cousin the -deception. Of course you had no suspicion of the real state of things.” - -“No, Mr. Wentworth. I certainly should not have consented to keep my -friend Frank Mordaunt and his family out of the money that justly -belongs to him.” - -“Do you know where the Mordaunts are living?” asked Basil eagerly. - -“Yes; they live in Brooklyn, and are very poor. Frank sells papers for -a living, but you know that this is a very poor dependence.” - -“But I thought that they had some property.” - -“It was lost, by speculation, I think.” - -“I will at once send them a hundred dollars, to tide them over till the -income which belongs to them comes into their hands.” - -“I wish you would, Mr. Wentworth,” said Ben earnestly. “They stand in -great need of it.” - -“But Edwin, or rather Ben, you don’t speak of yourself. My cousin’s -death will be a serious loss to you.” - -“Yes, but I think I shall get along.” - -“You are young and hopeful. Do you think Mrs. Harcourt has provided for -you?” - -“I know nothing about that. Her will, as she writes, is in the hands of -her bankers in Paris. She has appointed you her executor.” - -“I will be your friend, Ben. I am sure that you have been strictly -honorable in this matter.” - -“I am rich in friends,” said Ben smiling. “General Flint, an American, -is in the hotel, and he has been of great service to me in arranging -for the funeral.” - -“Were you provided with money sufficient to defray the expenses?” - -“Yes; Mrs. Harcourt supplied me with all that was needful.” - -“Will you be ready to accompany me to Paris to-morrow? It is desirable -that I should have your testimony as to my poor cousin’s death.” - -“Yes, Mr. Wentworth, I am at your disposal.” - -When General Flint learned that Ben was about to leave Geneva for -Paris, he decided to go too. - -“I should feel lonely without you, my lad,” he said. “Besides, you may -need a friend.” - -“I think Mr. Wentworth will be my friend, but I hope to have your -friendship also.” - -This was the letter that Basil Wentworth wrote to his uncle: - - “MY DEAR UNCLE: - - “I have reached Geneva and found that it was indeed true about - my poor cousin’s death. I have also had a great surprise. - Edwin died more than a year since, and the boy who came to - your house with Maria was only an adopted son whom she had - put in his place. The boy is a fine, manly fellow, and had no - idea that he was being used to defeat the ends of justice. So - far as I remember Edwin, this boy is much his superior, and - I should be pleased to feel that he was a relative. Perhaps - Maria has provided for him by will. She left a letter which he - opened after her death, which revealed to him for the first - time the object of his adoption. And now comes something truly - remarkable. This Ben Bruce, for that is his real name, is well - acquainted with the Mordaunts, who are living in Brooklyn, and - he speaks very highly of Frank, a boy of his own age, who has - been reduced to selling papers for a living. I don’t know why - his mother has steadfastly kept aloof from her relatives in New - York, but I think it is on account of her pride. I have sent - them a hundred dollars to tide them over till they come into - possession of the income which will now fall to them. - - “I shall stay as brief a time in Paris as I can, and will then - sail for New York with Ben. I mean to help him if he is not - provided for in my cousin’s will.” - -On arriving in Paris Basil Wentworth went at once to the banking house -of John Munroe & Co. and gave notice of Mrs. Harcourt’s death. The will -was handed to him, and he opened it. He read it through attentively and -then turned to Ben. - -“Ben,” he said, “you are left the sole heir to Mrs. Harcourt’s -property.” - -Ben looked the surprise which he felt. - -“I had no idea of this,” he said. “Will it be right for me to accept -it, not being a relative?” - -“Mrs. Harcourt’s relatives are well provided for. They inherit Edwin’s -income, which was ten thousand dollars a year. I am sure that no one -will object to your inheritance. I must tell you, however, that my -poor cousin was by no means rich. Probably she will not leave more than -forty thousand dollars.” - -“That seems a great deal to me, but she wished the last year’s income -which she received wrongfully for her son to be repaid.” - -“That will make ten thousand dollars. My share of that will be half, -and I will excuse you from paying it. The half that goes to the -Mordaunts may be repaid.” - -“I shall be glad, Mr. Wentworth, if you will act as my guardian. You -have shown yourself such a generous friend that I am sure I could make -no better selection.” - -“My dear boy,” said Basil warmly, “I will accept the appointment, -and you may be sure, that I will protect your interests. You are a -fortunate boy.” - -When General Flint was told of Ben’s good luck, he was quite delighted. - -“The only regret I have, my lad,” he said, “is that you are now rich, -and I shall not have the pleasure of helping you.” - -“I will take the will for the deed, General Flint. I don’t think you -would have allowed me to suffer.” - -“Not much, my boy. I hope you will come out to Iowa next year and make -a visit. I shall be glad to show you something of the great West.” - -“I will come, general. I shall not soon forget your kindness to me when -I needed a friend.” - -Basil’s letter to Frank Mordaunt arrived at a critical moment. On -account of some delay in the mail the two letters, Ben’s and Basil -Wentworth’s, reached them the same day. - -Things had gone badly with them. Frank had been laid up for ten days by -an attack of the grip, and of course his earnings during that time were -suspended. They had no money laid aside, and the rent was nearly due. - -Frank was of a cheerful disposition, but he could not help feeling -depressed. - -“I don’t know how we are coming out, Frank,” said his mother sadly. -“Life is such a struggle that I don’t derive much pleasure from it.” - -“Wait till the clouds roll by, mother,” said Frank with forced gayety. - -“They are a long time in rolling by. When did you hear from Ben last?” - -“Not for two months.” - -At that moment the postman’s whistle was heard, and Alvin ran -down-stairs to meet him. - -“Two letters, mother,” he said. “They are both for Frank.” - -“Let me see the address.” - -“One is in Ben’s handwriting,” said Frank, and he tore it open. - -“Good news, mother!” he exclaimed in excitement. “Our fortune has come.” - -“How’s that?” - -“Edwin Harcourt died over a year since, and we come into an income of -five thousand dollars. All your troubles are over, mother.” - -“God be thanked, though I am sorry for the poor boy’s death. From whom -is your other letter?” - -By this time Frank had opened it. - -To his great delight he found an order on a New York banker for a -hundred dollars. - -“Look at this, mother!” he cried. “One hundred dollars! We shall be -able to pay the rent now.” - -The next morning Mr. Grubb the landlord came in. - -“I suppose you can pay the rent, widder?” he said. - -“I shall have it this afternoon, Mr. Grubb.” - -“That don’t go down,” said Grubb crossly. “Why couldn’t you have it -this morning?” - -“Because my son has gone to New York to cash an order for one hundred -dollars. That will be enough to pay the rent, won’t it?” - -“Is that straight, widder?” asked the landlord incredulously. - -“I am not in the habit of telling falsehoods, Mr. Grubb,” said Mrs. -Mordaunt indignantly. - -“Oh, it’s all right. I’ll come around to-morrow. I’m glad you’re so -prosperous, widder.” - -“I don’t think we shall care to occupy your rooms long, Mr. Grubb.” - -“I hope you haven’t taken offense, widder. I shall be glad to have -you stay.” - -“We have become rich, Mr. Grubb, and shall want to live in more -commodious rooms.” - -“I have a better tenement near the Park, ma’am.” - -“We may look at it, but our plans are not made yet.” - -Mr. Grubb left the house with a greatly increased respect for his -tenants. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -MR. SNODGRASS SUGGESTS AN INVESTMENT. - - -Ben and his guardian had a smooth and pleasant return voyage. - -“Do you need any money?” asked Basil when they landed. “As your -guardian, as well as the executor of Mrs. Harcourt’s estate, I am ready -to meet any reasonable demands.” - -“Thank you, Mr. Wentworth. I have two hundred dollars with me, and this -will answer for the present.” - -“Where do you expect to stay?” - -“General Flint insists upon my being his guest at the Fifth Avenue -Hotel for a week. When he goes back to Iowa I shall find a home in a -private house.” - -The first evening of his return Ben called at Mrs. Robinson’s lodging -house to see his literary friend Sylvanus Snodgrass. - -The novelist was sincerely glad to see him. - -“Welcome home, Ben!” he said. “I have missed you a great deal. And how -is the lady who took you to Europe with her?” - -“She is dead, Mr. Snodgrass,” replied Ben gravely. - -“And you are thrown upon the world again? Do you propose to go back to -your old business?” - -“No,” answered Ben with a smile. “I don’t think it will be necessary.” - -“Did the lady provide for you?” - -“She left me nearly forty thousand dollars.” - -“Why, you are rich!” exclaimed Sylvanus. “It is truly a romance in real -life. Would you be willing to have me weave your story into a serial -for the _Weekly Bugle_?” - -“I would a little rather not,” answered Ben. “Mrs. Harcourt has -relatives, and it might not be agreeable for them.” - -“Of course I won’t without your permission. Have you thought how you -will invest your money?” - -“No; I shall leave that to my guardian, Mr. Basil Wentworth.” - -“I could suggest an investment that would double, nay treble your -fortune in five years.” - -“What is it?” asked Ben. - -“Start a literary weekly, after the style of the _Bugle_. That paper -pays immensely.” - -“But I don’t know anything about the publication of weekly papers.” - -“I do. Listen, Ben,” said the novelist with enthusiasm. “You could -count upon my assistance and co-operation. I would assume the -editorship, and agree to have a story from my pen running constantly. -Gloriana Podd would, I am sure, be glad to write for us. I know just -what the public want, and between ourselves, I think the editor of the -_Bugle_ is often at fault. If it was in my hands I would make a good -deal more out of it.” - -“I am afraid, Mr. Snodgrass, I should hardly favor such an investment, -and I am sure my guardian would not. He says he can invest the money so -as to earn five per cent.” - -“What’s five per cent.?” asked Sylvanus scornfully. - -“Five per cent. on my legacy will make nearly two thousand dollars a -year.” - -“That is good, of course. I wish I had it, but you might make a good -deal more by following my advice.” - -“I don’t believe in going into any business which I don’t understand, -Mr. Snodgrass. I hope you have been prosperous while I have been away.” - -“Well, I can’t complain. I retain my popularity with American readers, -but the publishers don’t appreciate me as they should. I recently -asked the publisher of the _Bugle_ if he wouldn’t give me twenty-five -dollars more for my serials, but he declined. He intimated,” continued -Mr. Snodgrass with tragic scorn, “that he could get along without -me, and could easily supply my place. Did you ever hear of such -ingratitude?” - -“I am afraid he doesn’t appreciate you, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -“No, Ben, he doesn’t. I furnish the brains and he furnishes the -capital. That’s about the way the matter stands.” - -“You get enough to do?” - -“Well, yes, but the prices are so low, and it costs a good deal to live -in New York, even in the humble style which I keep up. I am owing Mrs. -Robinson for two weeks’ rent, and I think she is getting uneasy.” - -“How much does it amount to?” - -“Six dollars.” - -“Here is the money, Mr. Snodgrass. I am glad to be of service to an old -friend.” - -Sylvanus Snodgrass grasped Ben’s hand and the tears came into his eyes, -for his heart was gentle, though he dealt in the most blood-curdling -romances. In one of his stories there were no less than fifteen -murders. - -“You are a true friend, Ben,” he said. “I shall always remember your -kindness.” - -“Then let me give you something more to remember. Your suit looks -rather shabby. If you will order a new one I will pay for it.” - -“You overwhelm me, Ben. I own that I am sometimes ashamed to go along -the street dressed in this unseemly garb. Those who learn who I am must -be surprised that the well-known novelist, whose name is familiar in -all parts of the United States, should go so poorly clad. Now I shall -feel more independent and self-respecting.” - -If misfortunes seldom come singly, it sometimes happens, also, with -strokes of good fortune. The next day Mr. Snodgrass received an order -for six dime novels from a publisher of that class of fiction, and it -exhilarated him immensely. - -“You see, Ben,” he said, “genius will triumph in the end. This is an -offer that I never sought. It comes from a new publisher. The editor of -the _Bugle_ has thought he owned me, but his tyranny is over.” - -“I hope you won’t break with him, Mr. Snodgrass.” - -“No, I do not wish to injure him, but hereafter he will not monopolize -me.” - -The next day, as Ben was entering the Fifth Avenue Hotel, he met Grant -Griswold, of the Manhattan Athletic Club, under whose care he had -originally come to New York. - -“How do you do, Mr. Griswold?” said Ben, going up to his old friend and -offering his hand. - -Mr. Griswold looked puzzled. - -“I am afraid I don’t remember you,” he said. - -“Don’t you remember the boy who came to New York on the same steamer -with you?” - -“Why, yes, it is Ben,” said the clubman, looking pleased. “I have often -thought of you. And how have you prospered?” - -“Famously,” answered Ben with a smile. - -“Have you been in New York all the time?” - -“I only recently returned from Europe. I spent nearly a year there.” - -Mr. Griswold looked surprised. - -“You were hardly in a position to make a European trip when I parted -with you,” he said. - -“No, but I attracted the attention of a lady who had lost her son--a -boy of my age--and she took me in his place.” - -“I see, and you are with her.” - -“No; she is dead.” - -“Ah, I am sorry to hear that. It will make a great difference to you.” - -“Not financially. She has provided well for me.” - -“I am glad to hear it, Ben. I took a liking to you when I first met -you. Where are you staying?” - -“At this hotel for a week, with my friend, General Flint of Iowa.” - -“I am delighted to hear such good news of you, Ben. You certainly did -well to leave your country home.” - -Ben seized the first opportunity after reaching home to write to his -mother. He did not go into details as to the fortune that had been left -him, but said that he was very comfortably fixed. - -Mrs. Winter wrote in reply almost immediately. Her letter was in part -as follows: - - “Mr. Winter has become more and more difficult to get along - with. Some relation of his, Ezra Winter, induced him about - a year since, to go into mining stocks as a speculative - investment. He has been here several times from Boston, where - he has an office, and every time I think he has induced Mr. - Winter to invest more heavily. I have no doubt the investment - was unwise, and has resulted in considerable losses. I had no - confidence in this Ezra; he looks sly and unreliable, but he - influenced Mr. Winter by promises of immense profits. For three - months Mr. Winter has seemed very much troubled, and a week - ago he went to Boston to get some information out of Ezra. He - returned crosser and more querulous than ever. He has begun to - pinch about household expenses, and insists upon my dispensing - with a servant, which compels me to work beyond my strength. I - realize more than ever how unwise I was to marry Jacob Winter, - but I did so largely on your account. When you see him you will - be surprised to find how he has aged. Ezra is at the bottom of - it all. Mr. Winter is so fond of money that his losses have - weighed upon him heavily.” - -After reading this letter Ben decided that he must make an early visit -to Wrayburn to see his mother. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -FRANK MORDAUNT. - - -Before leaving New York for his return to his old home, Ben took a -brief trip over to Brooklyn to see his friend Frank Mordaunt. He found -the family in a cheerful and happy mood. - -Frank welcomed him heartily. - -“It seems good to see you back, Ben,” he said. - -“I suppose you have given up selling papers, Frank,” returned Ben, -smiling. - -“Yes, ever since the wonderful news you sent, and the letter from Mr. -Wentworth inclosing one hundred dollars. It came just in the nick of -time. We were on the point of being ejected for not being able to pay -our rent.” - -“You will never have any such trouble again, Frank. Mr. Wentworth has -sent me over to bring you to his office.” - -“Is it really true that we have come into five thousand dollars a year -income?” - -“There is no doubt about it, Frank. You ought to have come into it a year -ago. I am owing you five thousand dollars back income.” - -“You!” exclaimed Frank in great surprise. - -“Yes. I am the heir of Mrs. Harcourt, and I am pledged to pay back the -money which she wrongfully received.” - -“I hope you inherited a good sum, Ben.” - -“Forty thousand dollars; but out of it I am to pay your back income. It -will leave me thirty-five thousand dollars, as Mr. Basil Wentworth has -kindly refused to accept his share.” - -“And we will do the same,” said Frank warmly. “We ought to make some -return for your kindness.” - -“But, Frank, it is only fair that I should pay it.” - -“We can afford to give it up. Why, with five thousand dollars a year we -shall feel like millionaires.” - -“And with forty thousand dollars I shall be very rich for a Bowery -newsboy.” - -“It will only yield an income of two thousand dollars a year, and we -shall have five thousand. Say no more, Ben; I will speak to my mother -and we will arrange matters with Mr. Basil Wentworth. We can afford to -be as generous as he is.” - -To anticipate a little, Mrs. Mordaunt cordially agreed to Frank’s -proposal and Ben received the entire fortune of his benefactress -without incumbrance. - -On the Fulton ferryboat Frank called attention to a boy sitting near, -who was dudishly dressed, and appeared to have a very high opinion of -himself. - -“Do you see that boy, Ben?” he asked. - -“Yes.” - -“I know him well. He lives only a block from us, but in a much better -house. He looks down upon me as a poor newsboy, and when he speaks to -me it is in a tone of lofty condescension.” - -“What is his name?” - -“Herman Brooks.” - -“I suppose he belongs to a rich family.” - -“His father earns an income of two thousand dollars a year in the New -York Custom House, but as he is an only son they are able to give him a -good supply of pocket money.” - -“Probably he will change his opinion of you when he hears of your good -fortune.” - -“No doubt. I think I will speak to him, so that you may have a specimen -of his manners.” - -Frank moved up to the seat next to Herman. - -“Good morning, Herman,” he said. - -“Oh, it’s you, is it?” said Herman Brooks coldly. “How is the paper -business nowadays?” - -“About the same as usual, I presume, but I am out of it.” - -“Oh! I suppose you are looking for a position in some office?” - -“I may by and by. By the way, Herman, I see you have a new bicycle?” - -“Yes,” answered Herman with some interest, for he felt quite proud of -his new purchase. - -“Do you mind telling me where you bought it?” - -“Perhaps you are thinking of buying one,” said Herman, smiling in -evident amusement. - -“I may do so. I always thought I should like a bicycle.” - -“You can get one like mine for a hundred and thirty-five dollars.” - -“I wouldn’t mind paying that for a good wheel.” - -“You must be crazy!” ejaculated Herman, half amused, half angry. “It -is nonsense for you, a poor newsboy, to talk of buying a bicycle like -mine.” - -“I don’t know why it is, as long as I can pay for it.” - -“But you can’t pay for it. You must be crazy, Frank Mordaunt.” - -Frank smiled in evident enjoyment of the surprise he was going to give -his scornful companion. - -“Probably you didn’t know of the change in our circumstances,” he said -quietly. - -“What change?” - -“By the death of a relative we have come into an income of five -thousand dollars a year.” - -“Is this true?” asked Herman in amazement. - -“Entirely so.” - -Herman’s face underwent an instant change. If there was anything for -which he felt respect it was money, and he realized that this hitherto -despised newsboy was much better off than himself. - -“Accept my congratulations,” he said, with suavity. “You are remarkably -fortunate. If you want to buy a bicycle I will go over to New York any -time and help you select one. Why won’t you come and spend the evening -with me soon.” - -“Thank you, but I didn’t suppose you would care to entertain a newsboy.” - -“You are not a newsboy now. You are a gentleman.” - -“Thank you.” - -“Who is the young fellow with you?” - -“Ben Bruce. He has just returned from spending a year in Europe.” - -“I should like to be introduced.” - -Smiling inwardly at the sudden change in Herman’s manner, Frank called -Ben and introduced him to Herman. - -“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Bruce,” said Herman. “How did you enjoy -traveling in Europe?” - -“Very much.” - -“My father has promised to take me there some time.” - -“Probably Frank and I will go together in a year or two.” - -This was a sudden thought of Ben, but it will not be surprising if it -is some time carried into effect. - -By this time the boat had reached the New York dock, and the boys -separated. - -“Herman’s opinion of you has changed materially in a short time,” said -Ben, smiling. - -“Yes,” answered Frank, “and it would change back again if I should lose -my fortune.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -BEN OVERHEARS AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION. - - -Two days later found Ben a passenger bound for Boston on one of the -palatial steamers of the Fall River line. - -He looked about him to see if among the eight hundred passengers he -could recognize any one. He walked through the brilliant saloon and out -upon the open deck in the rear. There were but few passengers outside, -as the air was fresh and chill. Ben looked about him carelessly, when -his gaze was suddenly arrested by one face. - -It was not an attractive face, but quite the reverse. There was a sly -and cunning expression, and a mean, treacherous look about the eyes -that naturally excited distrust. All this would not have attracted -Ben’s notice, who had seen many ill-looking faces in his wanderings, -but there was something familiar in the general appearance of the -man, some resemblance to a face that he had known. He could not tell -immediately whom the man resembled, but it came to him after a while. - -The man before him, though probably twenty-five years younger, bore a -strong resemblance to his stepfather, Jacob Winter. - -Then the thought occurred to him: “This must be the Ezra Winter who has -lured Mr. Winter into mining speculations. If it is, he looks just like -a man who would have no scruple in swindling him.” - -Ben next examined the man who was sitting beside the supposed Ezra -Winter. - -He was a man of the same type, evidently--a man with a low forehead -and small ferret-like eyes. The two seemed to be engaged in a deeply -interesting and earnest conversation. Ben was curious to learn what -they were talking about, and did not scruple to sit down as near them -as possible, in the hope of learning. - -“Yes,” said the first man, who was really Ezra Winter, “I have made a -pretty good thing out of the Muddy Gulch Mining Company. I got in at -bottom figures, and have sold a large number of shares at ten times -what I gave for them.” - -“Is the stock worth anything, Ezra?” - -“Precious little. It looks well--on paper. I have an old uncle up -in the country--in Wrayburn, New Hampshire, who is in to the extent -of three thousand dollars. The old man is tight as a file, but I -humbugged him into thinking I was going to double his money within a -year, and by degrees I drew him in. - -“First he invested a thousand dollars after a hundred questions. That -was about a year ago. I’ll tell you how I managed to get him in deeper. -At the end of three months I invented a ten per cent. dividend, paying -it all out of my own pocket. It paid, for he almost immediately put in -two thousand dollars more. _There haven’t been any dividends since!_” - -“Isn’t he uneasy?” - -“I should say so. I get a letter about every week, asking how soon -there is going to be another dividend. A short time since the old man -came to Boston to make me a visit. It was the first time he had been -there since he was thirty years old. I was dismayed when I saw him -coming, but I pulled myself together and gave him exclusive news of a -rich find of ore that would carry up the price to twice what he paid -for it. - -“I don’t know whether I quite deceived him or not. He wanted me to sell -out half his stock, but I told him it would be at a great sacrifice. -In fact he couldn’t get more than fifty cents a share, but I didn’t -tell him that. He suggested asking some other broker about it, but that -would never do. I told him I would keep him apprised of the advance -in the stock, and would write him every week. So every week I have -written him an encouraging letter, but I am afraid every day of seeing -the rusty old man enter the office.” - -[Illustration: Ben was curious to know what these two men were talking -about, so he sat down as near as possible, in the hope of learning -something.--Page 295. _Ben Bruce._] - -“Is he the only customer who gives you trouble?” - -“Not by any manner of means. To tell the truth, Barlow, Boston is -getting too hot to hold me. I have made a pretty good trip to New York, -and now I am prepared to carry out an old plan of mine.” - -“How is that?” - -“In the first place I have been out to Nyack to interview a young -man of more money than brains, and I have in my pocket a check for -twenty-five hundred dollars received in return for stock.” - -“Good! You’re a sharp one, Ezra. Is it the same old stock?” - -“Yes, but the certificates are very handsome. I have ordered some new -ones. They look fine, as I have already told you. Well, now, I have got -together about six thousand dollars, and I shall take the next steamer -for Liverpool.” - -“Leaving your victims in the lurch?” - -“That’s about the size of it.” - -“Ezra, Ezra! I am afraid you are a trifle unprincipled,” said his -friend in gay remonstrance. - -“A man must look out for himself in this world, Barlow.” - -“That’s so. You were born smart. I am afraid I wasn’t. Don’t you want a -private secretary?” - -“I may some time,” answered Ezra quite seriously. “If I do, I will -think of you, Barlow.” - -“How long shall you stay abroad?” - -“Till this affair blows over. I may be able to do something over there. -Six thousand dollars won’t last me forever.” - -It may be imagined with what interest Ben listened to this -conversation. It revealed to him the manner in which his stepfather had -been fleeced. Skinflint as he was, it was his love for money that had -made him a ready victim to Ezra and his wiles. - -Though he had no love for Jacob Winter, he felt that Ezra was far more -contemptible, and it made his blood boil to think of the cold-blooded -way in which he had swindled those who had trusted to his plausible -recommendations of the fraudulent mine which appeared to have no -intrinsic value. - -The two speakers had paid no especial attention to the boy who sat near -them gazing with apparent absorption into the waters of the Sound. - -At length Barlow noticed him and he breathed a word of caution to Ezra. - -Ezra looked round, but he did not seem alarmed. - -“Bah!” he said, “it’s only a kid.” - -“‘Little pitchers have large ears,’” suggested Barlow. - -“Even if he has heard anything, he hasn’t understood it.” - -“I dare say you are right. A boy of his age isn’t likely to know much -about business.” - -“It’s getting a little chilly. Let us go inside.” - -“Very well!” and the two entered the main saloon and sat down to listen -to the fine music discoursed by the band. - -“What ought I to do?” Ben asked himself, when he was left alone. “I -don’t care much for Jacob Winter, but I don’t like to see him swindled -in such a barefaced manner. If there is any way in which I can balk the -scheme I will.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -BEN CONSULTS A LAWYER. - - -How to foil Ezra Winter in his fraudulent schemes Ben could not tell. -Though he had more experience than most boys of his age he was not -so familiar with villainy as some boys who have been brought up amid -different surroundings. - -“I must consult some one older and wiser than myself,” he reflected. - -Arrived in Boston he grew impatient to start for Wrayburn. It was more -than a year--about fifteen months--since he had left the quiet town, -and he felt a strong desire to see his mother. He could have gone a -considerably longer time without seeing Mr. Winter--indeed he would not -have mourned much if he knew he should never see him again. - -But no boy who has a heart does not feel it throb quicker at the -thought of his mother. Ben’s mother had always been kind, loving and -indulgent, and his recent good fortune he valued the more because it -would enable him to provide for her more liberally than ever before, -and save her from all future anxiety and hard work. - -It was not over seventy miles from Boston to Wrayburn. It had seemed to -him when he first made the journey a long one, but he had been such a -traveler in the fifteen months that had elapsed since that it seemed to -him a very short one. - -He looked about him eagerly to see if he could see any familiar form. -But no Wrayburn man seemed to be returning from Boston. When he was -fifteen miles from Wrayburn, his heart leaped with pleasure as a -passenger with a familiar face entered the car. - -It was Mr. John Bentham, an elderly lawyer who lived only about half -a mile from Jacob Winter’s farmhouse, and did what law business was -required by the people in Wrayburn and the adjoining towns. - -Ben rose and went over to the lawyer’s seat. - -“How do you do, Mr. Bentham?” he said. - -The lawyer lifted his glasses and surveyed Ben at first with a puzzled -expression. - -“Don’t you know me, Mr. Bentham? I am Ben Bruce.” - -“Why, so you are! Bless my soul how you have grown! And where have you -been this long time?” - -“Chiefly in New York and Europe.” - -“In Europe? How on earth came you to go there?” - -“My expenses were paid by a lady who took an interest in me.” - -“You seem to have been born under a lucky star. And now you are coming -back to Wrayburn?” - -“Yes, but not to stay. Only to see my mother.” - -“Then you don’t think you would enjoy working on the farm again?” - -“I am sure I wouldn’t.” - -“I hope you are sure of making a living elsewhere. It is better to live -comfortably on a farm than to live from hand to mouth in a large city.” - -“That is true, but I am no longer a green country boy. I am able to -make my way in New York.” - -“I am glad to hear it.” - -“Have you seen my mother lately, Mr. Bentham? Is she well?” - -“Your mother is not sick, but I can’t say she is looking altogether -well. She seems rather thin and careworn. Have you heard from her -lately?” - -“Yes, and her letter made me anxious. She says that Mr. Winter is -getting very irritable and hard to get along with. Of course, that -wears upon her.” - -“I suspect the old man has met with losses, and that has a bad effect -on his temper.” - -“I know he has, Mr. Bentham, and I want to consult you professionally -on the subject.” - -“I am quite at your service, Ben,” said the lawyer, looking rather -surprised. - -Ben proceeded to tell what he had heard on the Fall River boat. - -Mr. Bentham listened with interest. - -“It is evident,” he said, “that your stepfather’s unprincipled relative -intends to plunder him, and spread the proceeds of the robbery abroad.” - -“Is there any way in which he can be stopped?” asked Ben anxiously. - -“Yes, he can be arrested on Mr. Winter’s affidavit that he believes he -intends to go abroad with property not rightfully his own. Have you any -idea how much of your stepfather’s money he has secured?” - -“Mr. Winter, besides his farm, had about five thousand dollars in cash. -I think he has managed to get nearly all this into his hands.” - -“The loss of this money would nearly kill Jacob Winter.” - -“My mother writes that he has very much aged of late.” - -“I have noticed that, but of course I did not know the reason.” - -“Then you did not know of his speculations?” - -“No; he has been very secret about them.” - -“Have you seen this young Ezra Winter?” - -“If you describe him I will tell you.” - -Ben described the man on the boat as well as he could. - -“Yes, I have seen him on two or three occasions on his way to Mr. -Winter’s house. I have not been particularly impressed in his favor.” - -“Nor has any one else, I believe.” - -They were now approaching Wrayburn, and Ben began to look out of the -windows eagerly, as the well-remembered localities came in sight. - -As Mr. Bentham rose to leave the car he said, “If your stepfather wants -my assistance,” he said, “you can notify me.” - -Ben got out on the platform of the small depot, with his gripsack in -his hand. He had no sooner set foot on the platform, when a glad voice -greeted him. - -“Why, Ben, is it you come back?” - -Turning he saw Albert Graham. - -“Yes, Albert, your friend has got back.” - -“And you are looking fine.” - -“I was never better.” - -“You have grown taller. I have tried to, but I don’t think nature -intended me for a six-footer.” - -“How is my mother?” - -“She is so as to be about, but I don’t think she is looking as well as -when you went away.” - -“How have you been getting on, Albert?” - -“I haven’t made a fortune, but last week I made ten dollars by riding -at the county fair.” - -“Good! I don’t think I shall ever make any money that way.” - -“You will make more money in other ways.” - -“Yes, Albert, I have been very fortunate.” - -“I suppose you have brought home a thousand dollars,” said Albert -joking. - -“A good deal more than that, Albert.” - -“Honest Indian?” - -“Yes, Albert, it is a sober fact. I’ll tell you all about it later. Now -I am anxious to get home as soon as I can.” - -When Ben reached the Winter farmhouse his mother and his stepfather had -sat down to dinner. It was a plain boiled dinner, without a pudding, -for since Jacob’s losses he had begun to pinch on the table. - -In a New England farmhouse, whatever the parsimony of the farmer the -table is not often affected. - -“I ain’t got no appetite, Mrs. Winter,” said the farmer with a -querulous expression. “The dinner don’t taste as good as usual.” - -“I think the fault is in you, Mr. Winter,” replied his wife. “Your -appetite has been very poor lately.” - -“I’m on my way to the poorhouse,” said Jacob gloomily. “Things have -been going very bad.” - -“Your crops are as good as usual.” - -“I can’t help it. I am poor, Mrs. Winter, dreadfully poor.” - -“Well, we will hope that luck will turn.” - -At this moment the door of the kitchen where the table was spread was -thrown open, and Ben, ruddy and glowing, stepped in. - -“Why, it’s Ben!” exclaimed Mrs. Winter, her heart overflowing with joy. - -Jacob Winter stared in surprise, but said nothing while Ben was -embracing his mother. - -“And how well you are looking, Ben!” - -“But you have fallen off, mother. Mr. Winter, I hope you are well.” - -Jacob Winter yielded his hand reluctantly to the boy’s proffered grasp. - -“We’re very badly off,” he said querulously, “and now you’ve came back -to live on us.” - -“I think I shall be able to pay my way,” said Ben, smiling. - -“I don’t believe you’ve got five dollars about you.” - -Ben drew a five-dollar bill from his pocket. Mr. Winter looked at it -longingly. The sight of money always made him feel covetous. - -“You owe me as much as that for goin’ away suddenly, and leavin’ me in -the lurch,” he said. - -“Take it, then. You are welcome to it.” - -With a look of satisfaction on his rugged face Jacob drew out an -immense wallet and tucked the bill carefully away. - -“You shall have your turn soon, mother,” said Ben, smiling. - -“Have you been doin’ well, Ben?” asked Jacob, thawing a little. - -“Pretty well, thank you. I can pay my way, Mr. Winter.” - -“You’d better stay at home and pay board. I’ll take you for four -dollars a week.” - -“I will think it over, Mr. Winter, but I think business will keep me in -New York. Who do you suppose came from New York on the boat with me, -Mr. Winter?” - -“I ain’t good at guessin’.” - -“Ezra Winter.” - -Jacob half rose from the table, and his face grew dark and stern. - -“That scoundrel!” he said. “He’s robbed me of my money.” - -“He intends to sail for Europe with all the money he can raise.” - -Jacob fell back in his chair pale and dismayed. - -“And I shall never see my money again!” he murmured. - -“Yes; I have consulted Mr. Bentham the lawyer, and he will go to Boston -with you and have him arrested. He will be over in a hour to talk the -matter over.” - -“I hope I’ll live long enough to see him rottin’ in jail!” said Jacob -vindictively. “He’s made me a poor man. You’re a smart boy, Ben, and I -thank you.” - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -CONCLUSION. - - -Ezra Winter was sitting in his office in the Sears Building in Boston. -All his plans had been perfected, and he was prepared to reap the fruit -of his rascality. - -He had gathered in between six and seven thousand dollars, and on this -he calculated that he could enjoy himself abroad for a considerable -time. Only two days more and he would sail. - -While he was indulging in pleasant reflections, there was a knock at -his office door. - -“Come in!” he cried. - -The door opened, and Jacob Winter entered, followed by Ben. - -Ezra Winter frowned, for his uncle was the last man he wished to see. -But he reflected that he was a simple old fellow, of whom he would -easily rid himself. - -“Uncle Jacob!” he said. “What brings you to town?” - -“I want my money,” replied the old man piteously, “I want the money you -took from me.” - -“Really, Uncle Jacob, I don’t understand you. Your money is well -invested, and perfectly safe.” - -“I want it now.” - -“Very good! I will sell out the stock for you, but you will have to -wait till Monday--the usual day for selling mining stock.” - -“That won’t do, Ezry. You are goin’ to Europe on Saturday, and mean to -take all my money!” - -“Who says this?” asked Ezra in great surprise, for he did not know that -his plan had leaked out. - -“I say it,” said Ben. - -“You--a mere boy! What do you know of me and my plans?” - -“I was a passenger on the Fall River boat Tuesday night, Mr. Ezra -Winter, and I overheard you detailing your plans to a friend. You -proposed to carry off the money of your uncle and other customers and -leave them out in the cold.” - -“That’s a lie!” said Ezra hoarsely, but he was frightened. - -“It was not a lie.” - -“I am not going to Europe on Saturday!” - -“No, you are not, for we shall prevent you,” said Ben firmly. - -“You, a half-grown boy!” rejoined Ezra contemptuously. - -“No matter what I am. Your uncle wants his money, and must have it.” - -Ezra leaned back in his chair and looked at his visitors with an -impudent smile. - -“Well, he can’t have it.” - -Ben went to the door and exchanged a word with some one. - -Mr. Bentham, the lawyer, entered followed by a policeman. - -“Mr. Winter,” said Bentham, “I hold a warrant for your arrest on -account of intended fraud. I may or may not have it served, but my -client here, your uncle, must have his money, or you go from here to -the station-house.” - -At last Ezra was conquered. He was a coward at heart and he dreaded the -law. - -“Perhaps we can arrange this matter, gentlemen,” he said. - -In half an hour Jacob Winter left the office with two thousand, five -hundred dollars. Mr. Bentham recommended him to accept it as the best -settlement possible. - -Ezra breathed a sigh of relief. He would still have four thousand -dollars of his dishonest accumulations. - -But he reckoned without his host. - -As the party were leaving the office one of Ezra’s customers saw them -and his suspicions were excited. He made some inquiries and it led to -his obtaining an order of arrest, so that Ezra, instead of sailing for -Europe on Saturday, passed that day in a police station. - -He managed to escape trial and conviction by agreeing to surrender his -ill-gotten gains, and then disappeared from the scene. He is understood -to be in Montreal, but his days of prosperity are gone by. - -Jacob Winter went back to Wrayburn, but his system had received a -shock, and in about a year he died. His property went to relatives, -his wife at Ben’s request declining to accept anything beyond the two -thousand dollars which she had when she married him. - -Ben went back to New York, and after a year spent in study accepted a -position in a large commercial house, in which he may some time own an -interest. - -Mr. Sylvanus Snodgrass is still electrifying the readers of the _Weekly -Bugle_ by his startling romances. Mr. Cornelius Clyde, the poet, still -sticks to his business as a barber, as he finds that his poetry brings -him fame, but not money. Gloriana Podd’s name still appears in the -Poet’s Corner of weekly papers and magazines. - -Ben, remembering his friends, has obtained a good position for Albert -Graham, and his cousin Adelbert frequently visits him. - -Last year Ben went to England and visited his friend, Cyril Bentley, -at Bentley Hall. But he is a true American, and much as he may like -individual Englishmen he will never become an Anglicized American. - -He keeps up the most friendly relations with Frank Mordaunt, who is now -a student at Columbia College, having a natural taste for study. So the -future looks bright for him, and those who have read his story will -agree that he really deserves his prosperity. - - -THE END. - - - - -Transcriber’s Note: - -The cover image has been created by the transcriber and placed in the -public domain. - -Punctuation has been standardised. Spelling and hyphenation have been -retained as they appear in the original publication except as follows: - - Page iii - BEN MAKES HIS DEBUT _changed to_ - BEN MAKES HIS DÉBUT - - Page iv - UNWELCOME HOME _changed to_ - UNWELCOME NEWS - - Page 21 - he counted “Ninty-six, ninety-seven _changed to_ - he counted “Ninety-six, ninety-seven - - Page 23 - with the energy of depair _changed to_ - with the energy of despair - - Page 24 - the preseace of the boys _changed to_ - the presence of the boys - - Page 64 - folks will be suprised when _changed to_ - folks will be su’prised when - - Page 118 - wouldn’t be suprised if you knew _changed to_ - wouldn’t be su’prised if you knew - - Page 123 - pass over the spondulicks _changed to_ - Pass over the spondulicks - - Page 127 - Ain’t you workin now _changed to_ - Ain’t you workin’ now - - Page 136 - ‘conquering a peace,’” he he reflected _changed to_ - ‘conquering a peace,’” he reflected - - Page 145 - “You don’t say!” ejeculated Tom _changed to_ - “You don’t say!” ejaculated Tom - - Page 170 - she is an honest Sweedish girl _changed to_ - she is an honest Swedish girl - - Page 172 - came up and said hurridly _changed to_ - came up and said hurriedly - - Page 178 - and handed him his paper _changed to_ - and handed him his papers - - disposing of a least a part _changed to_ - disposing of at least a part - - Page 183 - turned into East Fifty-Seventh Street _changed to_ - turned into East Fifty-seventh Street - - Page 191 - Here is a ten-doldar bill _changed to_ - Here is a ten-dollar bill - - Page 193 - Syvanus turned, and at the sight _changed to_ - Sylvanus turned, and at the sight - - Page 204 - Give me you address, Frank _changed to_ - Give me your address, Frank - - Page 213 - Don t forgot, Frank, that I am a poor boy _changed to_ - Don’t forget, Frank, that I am a poor boy - - Page 228 - much suprised when I tell _changed to_ - much su’prised when I tell - - Page 279 - I I shall be glad to _changed to_ - I shall be glad to - - Page 281 - That paper says immensely _changed to_ - That paper pays immensely - - Page 288 - There is no doubt about it, Ben _changed to_ - There is no doubt about it, Frank - - Page 300 - considerable longer time without seeing _changed to_ - considerably longer time without seeing - - Page 301 - passenger with a famiiar face _changed to_ - passenger with a familiar face - - Page 313 - Ben went went to England _changed to_ - Ben went to England - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben Bruce, by Horatio Alger - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN BRUCE *** - -***** This file should be named 60970-0.txt or 60970-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/9/7/60970/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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