lemen met a friend on the cars, and Ben was left pretty
much to himself.

They did not reach New York till midnight.

"I will take you to my boarding-house to-night, Ben," said his
companion. "Tomorrow we will talk over our plans."

A hansom conveyed them to a house in an up-town street, where
Mr. Manning boarded. Of course Ben could not at that hour see
much of the great city which he was visiting for the first time.
Besides, he was quite fatigued, and felt more like closing his eyes
in sleep than using them.

Mr. Manning's rooms were very comfortable, and even luxurious.
Ben slept soundly till his companion waked him up.

"Come, Ben, it's eight o'clock, and the breakfast bell is ringing.
Haven't you had sleep enough?"

The sun was shining bright in at the window, and the noise of
carriages could be heard in the street beneath.

Ben looked about him in momentary bewilderment.

"Don't you know where you are?" asked Mr. Manning smiling.

"Yes, I am in New York," said Ben, his face brightening up.

"I'll be dressed in less than no time," he exclaimed, leaping out of
bed, and setting to work energetically.

"If you keep your promise I certainly can't complain," said Mr. Manning.

"Shall we be late to breakfast?" asked Ben, with some anxiety.

"There will be others later. So you feel hungry, do you?"

"Uncommonly hungry," said Ben. "I guess it's travelling that gives me
an appetite. What a nice place you live in, Mr. Manning! It's very
handy having water come out of pipes. How do they do it?"

"I'll explain to you some time, when we are not in such a hurry."

"All right, sir."

Ben was soon dressed, and went down to breakfast with his new
patron. There was quite a difference between the appearance of the
table at this fashionable boarding house and their plain breakfast
table at home; but Ben was one who easily adapted himself to new
circumstances, and did not display any greenness.

"Now, Ben," said Mr. Manning, as they rose from the table, "I
suppose you are not in a very great hurry to go home."

"No, sir."

"You would like to see a little of the city?"

"Yes, sir, very much."

"I think day after to-morrow will be early enough to go back. You
write a line to your aunt, so that she need not feel anxious."

"Thank you, sir. Where is the little girl?"

"She is temporarily staying at the house of a married sister of mine.
My sister is rather an invalid, or she might keep her permanent