did not expect
to have that expense."

"I can relieve you on that score," said the gentleman. "I
live in Charleston, not far away. You shall stay at my house
to-night, and go home by the morning train. There is a
morning train, isn't there?"

"Yes, sir, at half-past ten."

"You will accept my invitation?"

"Yes, sir, and thank you," said Ben gratefully. "I don't know
what I should have done if you had not invited me."

"I am glad to have the opportunity of doing you a kindness. I
want to send you away with a good impression of Charleston."

It was a handsome house to which Ben was led by his new
friend. His wife received the two children with unaffected
kindness, and soon made them feel at home. During the evening
Mr. Somerby, for this was his name, drew out of Ben the
particulars of his history and present position. Ben seemed so
frank and manly that he was quite pleased with him.

Mr. Somerby was not in business, unless he may be called a
capitalist. He was the possessor of a large fortune, and the care
of his property required a considerable share of his time. When
Ben was ready to go the next morning, Mr. Somerby put an
envelope into his hand.

"Don't open this till you get home," he said.

"No, sir."

"Now, good-by, and good luck to you."

"Thank you, sir."

Meanwhile Mrs. Bradford at home was feeling anxious. Old Mrs.
Perkins had dropped in to make a call, and her conversation wasn't
reassuring.

"Hasn't Ben got back?" she asked.

"Not yet."

"There's a great risk in sendin' a boy so fur," said the old lady.

"Do you think so?" asked Mrs. Bradford uneasily.

"To be sure I do. He's too young."

"That's what I thought; but Ben was very sure he could get along."

"Boys is allus confident," said Mrs. Perkins, whose knowledge of
grammar was not very profound; "but I never knew one that you
could rely on."

"Benjamin is a good boy."

"Yes, he's a good boy as boys go; but don't you trust him too fur.
When did you expect him back?"

"I expected him last night."

"And he didn't come? Just as I thought."

Mrs. Perkins nodded her head vigorously, and looked unutterably wise.

"Maybe the cars is gone off the track," said the old lady.

"Oh, don't say such things, Mrs. Perkins," said Mrs. Bradford uneasily.

"I didn't say they had, but we're havin' a dreffle number of accidents
nowadays."

"Ben is all right," said Tony, thinking he ought to defend his cousin.
"He said when