meet you so far from Pentonville," said Ben's new
companion, unable to suppress his curiosity.

"I don't live in Pentonville now."

"Where then?"

"In the city of New York."

"Are you employed there?"

"Yes; but I am just returning from a trip to Western Pennsylvania."

"Did you go on business?"

"Yes."

"Well, you are getting on, for a country boy. What do you hear from
home?"

"My mother is well, but I fancy that is not what you mean."

"Yes, I am interested about your mother. Has she yet paid off that
mortgage on her cottage?"

"How did you know there was a mortgage," asked Ben, in surprise.

"I know more than you suppose. What are the chances that she will be
able to pay?"

"They are very small," answered Ben, gravely, "but the money is not
yet due."

"When will it be due?"

"In about six weeks."

"Squire Davenport will foreclose--I know him well enough for that."

"So I suppose," said Ben, soberly.

"Is there no friend who will oblige you with the money?"

"I don't know of anyone I should feel at liberty to call on."

It came into his mind that Mrs. Hamilton was abundantly able to help
them, but she did not know his mother, and it would savor of
presumption for him to ask so great a favor. True, he had effected a
most profitable sale for her, but that was only in the line of his
faithful duty, and gave him no claim upon his employer.

"I thought, perhaps, the gentlemen you were traveling with--the one
who has gone info the smoking-car--might--"

"He is only a business acquaintance; I have known him less than a
week."

"To be sure, that alters matters. He is not your employer, then?"

"No."

"Then I believe I shall have to help you myself."

Ben stared at his companion in amazement. What! this man who had
robbed him of a dollar only four weeks before, to offer assistance in
so important a matter!

"I suppose you are joking," said he, after a pause.

"Joking! Far from it. I mean just what I say. If Squire Davenport
undertakes to deprive your mother of her home, I will interfere, and,
you will see, with effect."

"Would you mind explaining to me how you would help us?" asked Ben.

"Yes, in confidence, it being understood that I follow my own course
in the matter."

"That is fair enough."

"Suppose I tell you, then, that Squire Davenport--I believe that is
the title he goes by in your village--owes your mother more than the
amount of the mortgage."

"Is this tru