the boy. "I've smoked for five years."

"You have!" exclaimed Ben, amazed. "Why, you don't look any
older than I am."

"I'm sixteen."

"And I'm not quite fifteen."

Ben noticed that the boy had none of the youthful bloom which
mantled his own cheeks. He was already paying the penalty of his
early use of tobacco.

"You're a big boy of your age," said the city boy.

Ben thought that the other was small for his age, but he did not say so.

"Look here, Johnny," said the New York boy.

"My name is Ben."

"What's the odds? Well, Ben, if you'll give me a quarter. I'll go
round and show you some of the sights; what do you say?"

Ben hesitated. It seemed to him a little extravagant. At the same
time his curiosity was aroused, and he finally agreed to the proposal.
When he returned to his home in the country, he felt that he should
like to be able to tell his companions something of the city he had
visited.

"Give me five cents in advance," said the newly engaged guide.

"What for?" asked Ben, cautiously.

"I want to get some cigarettes."

Ben complied with his request.

The boy darted into a small cigar store, and soon emerged with a
cigarette in his mouth at which he puffed with evident pleasure.

"Won't you try one?" he asked.

"I guess not," said Ben.

"Come along, then. You ask any questions about what you see, and
I'll answer."

"What's that field? It's a common, isn't it?" asked Ben pointing to a
park after they walked down Broadway for a few blocks.

"Oh, that's Madison Park; but we've got a good deal bigger park
than that up-town. Central Park--that's the name of it."

"Is it far off?"

"About two miles. Do you want to go there?"

"No, I'd rather see the streets, and the nice buildings. I can see
plenty of fields at home."

"Are you going to stay long in the city?" asked, Tom, for this Ben
learned was the name of his companion.

"Only a day or two. I want to see as much as I can while I am here."

They walked down Broadway, Tom pointing out the prominent
buildings, and answering the numerous questions asked by Ben.
On the whole, he proved to be a very good investment in the way of
a guide, being well-informed on the subjects about which Ben
inquired.

When they reached the Astor House, Tom said: "I guess you've
got a quarter's worth out of me. If you want me any longer you
must give me another quarter."

"I can't afford it," said Ben, "I guess I can get round by myse