yet."

"Then--I hope you will excuse the suggestion--I advise you to keep
your bureau drawers locked."

"I think it best myself," said Mrs. Hamilton. Is Conrad's toothache
very bad?"

"The poor fellow is in great pain."

When Ben was invited by Mrs. Hamilton to go to the pawnbroker's he
made no objection.

"It is only fair to tell you, Ben," said Mrs. Hamilton, that the
person who pawned the opera glass gave your name."

"Then," said Ben, "I should like to know who it is."

"I think I know," said his patroness; "but when we redeem the glass we
will ask for a description of him."

An hour later they entered the pawnbroker's shop. Mrs. Hamilton
presented the ticket and made herself known.

"Will you tell me," she asked, "whether you have ever seen the young
gentleman that accompanies me?"

"Not to my knowledge," answered the attendant, after attentively
regarding Ben.

"Can you remember the appearance of the boy who pawned the opera
glass?"

"He was taller than this boy, and pale. He was thinner also. His
hair was a light brown."

A light dawned upon Ben, and his glance met that of Mrs. Hamilton, so
that she read his suspicions.

"I think we both know who it was that took your name, Ben," she said;
"but for the present I wish you to keep it secret."

"I will certainly do so, Mrs. Hamilton."

"I am placed in difficult circumstances, and have not made up my mind
what to do."

"I hope you won't allow yourself to be prejudiced against me by any
false stories."

"No, I can promise you that. I have perfect confidence in you."

"Thank you for that, Mrs. Hamilton," said Ben gratefully.

"Yet I am about to take a course that will surprise you."

"What is that?"

"I am going to let you leave me for a time, and put Conrad in your
place."

Ben looked bewildered, as well he might. There was nothing that would
have surprised him more.

"Then I am afraid you don't find me satisfactory," he said anxiously.

"Why not?"

"You discharge me from your service."

"No" answered Mrs. Hamilton, smiling; "I have other work for you to
do. I mean to give you a confidential commission."

Ben's face brightened up immediately.

"You will find me faithful," he said, "and I hope I may repay your
confidence."

"I think you will. I will explain matters to you before you reach the
house, as I don't want Mrs. Hill or Conrad to know about the matter.
Indeed, for reasons of my own, I shall let them think that