mean," he said; "but
I have an aunt and cousin to take care of."

"And you find it hard work, eh?"

"Yes, sir."

"Tell me about it. Here sit down next to me, and tell me how
you are situated."

Mr. Manning had a sympathetic tone, which invited confidence.
So Ben followed his directions, and confided to him all his
perplexities.

"We got along well enough," he concluded, "as long as I kept my
place at the factory. Five dollars a week went a good way with us.
Besides, my aunt made about two dollars a week sewing.

"Is she making that now?"

"No, sir. Even that kind of business is getting dull. Last week she
made a dollar and a quarter."

"That isn't much."

"No, sir. But every little helps."

"You are right there. We must not despise small earnings--such
as you made in the deacon's employ."

"I got paid better than you think, sir," said Ben. "Miss Nancy
made it up to me."

"Did she? I am glad to hear it. She is a good woman. She
understands better than her father the proper price of work."

"Yes, sir. Are you any relative to Deacon Sawyer?"

"No," said Mr. Manning, "but I have had a little business
transaction with the deacon. He's pretty close in money matters."

"So people say here, sir."

"But I must do him justice, and add that you can rely
implicitly upon his word. Well, Ben, what are your plans?"

"Only to find work of any kind, sir."

"How happened you to come to the hotel here?"

"I thought Mr. Brockton might possibly have something for
me to do."

"Sawing wood, perhaps?"

"Yes, sir; or anything else that is honest."

"You are a good industrious boy," said Mr. Manning approvingly.
"You deserve to succeed."

This approval encouraged Ben.

"Thank you, sir," he said.

"Perhaps I may some time have it in my power to help you."

"I hope you may sir. At any rate, I thank you for mentioning it."

Mr. Manning paused a moment. He appeared to be in thought.
As he remained silent, Ben concluded that the interview was at
an end.

He rose from his seat, and was about to bid Mr. Manning good
evening, when the latter said: "Are you particularly engaged
for the next hour, Ben?"

"No, sir," Ben answered, rather surprised.

"Then suppose we take a walk? I am alone here, and would like
your company."

"Thank you, sir," said our hero, feeling flattered at the value set
upon his society by a gentleman from New York; for he had
ascertained that Mr. Manning was a member of a