what you said to me. You don't know no better. You must try to
behave like the boy that's with you. He's a real polite boy."

"So he is," said Emma. "I like him ever so much."

Luckily she added nothing to kindle the old lady's resentment,
and they rose from the table on good terms.

Chapter XIV

Prof. Crane, The Phrenologist

After supper Ben and his young charge took their seats in the main
salon. The passengers were grouped about the tables, many of them
reading the New York evening papers. Among them Ben observed
a tall man, wearing a full beard, and attired in a suit of rather rusty
black, who presently sat down beside him. From his appearance Ben
fancied that he might be a clergyman or a missionary.

"My young friend," said the stranger at length, "are you traveling to
Boston?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ahem! Do you live in Boston?"

"No, sir; I live in Milltown, a manufacturing town."

"Did you ever have your head examined?"

Ben stared at the questioner in surprise.

"What should I have my head examined for?" he asked.

"I see you don't understand me," said the gentlemen of clerical
appearance. "I am a phrenologist."

"Oh, yes, I understand," said Ben.

"I lecture on phrenology and examine heads, describing the
character and prominent traits of my subjects on phrenological
principles. For instance, I can readily tell by the help of my
science your leading tendencies, and in what career you would
be most likely to meet with success."

"I would like to know that myself," said Ben, becoming interested.

"My terms for an ordinary examination are twenty-five cents. For
a written description I charge a dollar."

"If I had plenty of money," said Ben, "I wouldn't mind getting a
written description."

"A dollar spent that way may save you hundreds of dollars, nay,
perhaps thousands," said the phrenologist insinuatingly.

Ben shook his head.

"I haven't any money to spare," he said. "I have some money,
but it was given to me to pay traveling expenses."

"Surely you can spare twenty-five cents," said the phrenologist.
"You can remember what I say and write it down yourself
afterward."

"So, I can," said Ben. "I guess I can afford a quarter; but where
can we go?"

"Stay here," said Prof. Crane, for this was his self-chosen
designation. "It will probably bring me other customers."

"I don't know," said Ben, looking about him doubtfully. "I
don't think I should like to have all