r."

"If you ever get out of a place, come to me."

"I thought you said my record was not good."

"So I did," said the superintendent; "but I was mistaken. I was
thinking of another boy at the time."

"I am glad to hear it, sir," he answered. "I felt disturbed about it
at the time."

"Of course. I believe you and Sam had a little difference."

"Yes, sir; but I don't think I was to blame."

"I don't care to inquire into that. You and Sam will laugh over it
when you become a little older."

Squire Archer had never seemed so kind and pleasant. Ben began
to think he had misjudged him.

"I would like to be friends with Sam," he said. "I shall be ready to
meet him half-way."

"I will tell him so to-night," said the superintendent.

"By the way, I suppose you are rather surprised to see me here.
You didn't think I was going to Europe?"

"No, sir, I didn't think that. I suppose you couldn't be spared at the
mill."

"Quite true, my boy. I can't be spared for so long. I wish I could. I
have long wanted to make a European tour; but I am tied down at
home by business. However, that doesn't explain why I am here."

"Don't tell me, sir, unless you like. It is none of my business."

"To be sure. In fact, there is a little secret about it; but I don't mind
telling you."

Ben felt more and more surprised. Was this the proud Squire
Archer, who carried his head so high?

"If there is a secret about it, perhaps you had better not tell me," said
Ben.

"Oh, I am quite willing to tell you; but you must not say anything
about it till after the steamer has sailed. The fact is, a man, who
owes the mill a large sum of money, it is suspected has taken
passage on board this steamer, with the intention of going to
Europe and evading the payment of his debt. I can't tell you his
name, as that might interfere with my plans. I am here to
intercept him, and prevent his departure."

"I hope you will succeed, Squire Archer," said Ben.

"Thank you, Ben. You see, therefore, that it is essential for me to
keep my presence here secret till the steamer sails. I will go
down-stairs now and watch."

Ben delivered his parcel, left the steamer, and did not mention that
he had met any one whom he knew. He felt bound to respect
Squire Archer's secret.

In the afternoon he was walking up Washington Street with the
bookkeeper, when the latter bought the Evening Transcript. He
glanced at the first page and then turned