Lovell's Grounds, with all sorts of athletic sports. There are prizes
for wrestling, jumping, and so on."

"I would like it well enough, but I can't afford to go."

"There'll be nothing to pay. Father subscribed for two tickets, so I've
got a spare one. Come, will you go?"

"Yes, I will, and thank you."

"Then come round to the house as soon as you've got through dinner."

"All right! I'll come."

"I suppose you haven't found a place?" said Mrs. Bradford when Ben
entered.

"Not yet."

"I don't know what's going to become of us if you don't," said Aunt
Jane mournfully.

"Don't get discouraged so quick, aunt. I've only been looking round
one forenoon. Besides, I've been offered a place, and declined it."

"Declined it! What could you have been thinking of?"

Ben then told his aunt of the place at the druggist's. He thought he
would not mention the others.

"If you'd taken it, we might have got our medicine cheaper," said
Aunt Jane, who did not comprehend a joke, and understood the
offer literally.

"I should have got mine for nothing," said Ben, laughing, "and more
than I wanted, too."

"What pay would you get?"

"I didn't ask. The first pill the druggist offered me was too much for
me. So I respectfully declined the position."

"Pills are excellent for the constitution," said Mrs. Bradford, in a
rather reproachful tone. "I never could get you to take them,
Benjamin. Some day you'll lose your life, perhaps, because you are
so set against them."

"I can't say I hanker after them, aunt," said Ben good humoredly.
"However, you see, I might have had a place, so you mustn't get
discouraged so quick."

"Will you stay at home this afternoon, Ben?" asked little Tony.

"I can't Tony; I have an engagement with James Watson. Aunt Jane,
if I am late to supper, don't be frightened."

Ben found James ready and waiting. They set out at once.

Lovell's Grounds were situated a mile and a half away; they
comprised several acres, sloping down to a pond, which was
provided with pleasure boats. The grounds were frequently
hired by parties from neighboring towns, having been fitted up
especially for the enjoyment of a crowd. To-day they were
engaged by a young people's association, and the program
included, among other things, some athletic sports.

The grounds were pretty well filled when the two boys arrived. In
fact, the performance had already commenced.

"You're just in time for the fun, b