e the boys did not take to each other. They took very
different views of life and duty, and there seemed to be small
prospect of their becoming intimate friends.

Mrs. Hamilton had gone to bed when they returned, but Mrs. Hill was up
watching for her son. She was a cold, disagreeable woman, but she was
devoted to her boy.

"I am glad you have come home so soon," she said.

"I wanted to play a game of billiards, but Ben wouldn't," grumbled
Conrad.

"If you had done so, I should have had to sit up later for you,
Conrad."

"There was no use in sitting up for me. I ain't a baby," responded
Conrad ungratefully.

"You know I can't sleep when I know you are out, Conrad."

"Then you're very foolish. Isn't she, Ben?"

"My mother would feel just so," answered Ben.

Mrs. Hill regarded him almost kindly. He had done her a good turn in
bringing her son home in good season.

"She may be a disagreeable woman," thought Ben, "but she is good to
Conrad," and this made him regard the housekeeper with more favor.

CHAPTER XXII
A MYSTERIOUS LETTER

From time to time, Mrs. Hamilton sent Ben on errands to different
parts of the city, chiefly to those who had been started in business
with capital which she had supplied. One afternoon, he was sent to a
tailor on Sixth Avenue with a note, the contents of which were unknown
to him.

"You may wait for an answer," said Mrs. Hamilton.

He readily found the tailor's shop, and called for Charles Roberts,
the proprietor.

The latter read the note, and said, in a business like tone:

"Come to the back part of the shop, and I will show you some goods."

Ben regarded him in surprise.

"Isn't there some mistake?" he said. "I didn't know I was to look at
any goods."

"As we are to make a suit for you, I supposed you would have some
choice in the matter," returned the tailor, equally surprised.

"May I look at the letter?" asked Ben.

The tailor put it into his hands.

It ran thus:

"Mr. Roberts: You will make a suit for the bearer, from any goods he
may select, and charge to the account of
Helen Hamilton."

"Mrs. Hamilton did not tell me what was in the note," said Ben,
smiling. "She is very kind."

Ben allowed himself to be guided by the tailor, and the result was a
handsome suit, which was sent home in due time, and immediately
attracted the attention of Conrad. Ben had privately thanked his
patroness, but had fel