looked pleased.

"Some boys in your position," he said, "would have stipulated for a
present."

"I shall do nothing of the kind," said Ben promptly. "I should not
think it honest."

"Your honesty, my boy, is of the old-fashioned kind. It is not the
kind now in vogue. I like you the better for it, and if you were not
in Mrs. Hamilton's employ I would try to secure your services myself."

"Thank you, Mr. Taylor. The time may come when shall remind you of
your promise."

"You will find I have not forgotten it. And now to business. We will
go to a lawyer and have the necessary papers drawn up, which you shall
sign in behalf of your principal."

The business was speedily arranged, and by supper-time Ben found that
he had nothing further to detain him in Centerville. He felt that he
had done a smart stroke of business. Mrs. Hamilton had been surprised
at receiving an offer of five thousand dollars for the farm, yet he
had sold it for forty thousand!

As they were returning from the lawyer's office they met farmer
Jackson just returning from the post office.

"By the way, Mr. Jackson," said Taylor, "you will perhaps be
interested to learn that your farm has been sold."

The farmer paused, and looked troubled.

"Are you going to turn me out of the house?" he asked.

"Not if you wish to live in it. I shall employ workmen at once to
sink wells, and develop the property. They will need to board
somewhere. Are you willing to board them?"

"Yes; I shall be glad to," answered Jackson. "I am a poor man, and
it's hard work living by farming."

"Very well; we can no doubt make an arrangement. I am obliged to go
to New York to complete arrangements for the transfer of the property,
but I shall come back as soon as possible and commence operations."

"I wouldn't mind workin' for myself," said Jackson.

"Then you are the first man I engage."

The old farmer brightened up. He was to make money out of the new
discoveries after all, though not in the way he had comtemplated.

"When are you going back to New York, Ben?" asked Taylor.

"There is nothing to detain me here any longer."

"We can go back together, then."

"I shall be glad to travel in your company, sir."

"Do you expect to remain in Mrs. Hamilton's employ?"

"I don't know," answered Ben.

"What were you doing?"

"Keeping accounts and acting as her private secretary."

"Do you like it?"

"Yes; I find it very pleasant, or would be but f