I
discharged you."

Ben smiled; he was not averse to such a plan.

"And now for the business. I own a farm in the western part of
Pennsylvania. I have for years let it for a nominal sum to a man
named Jackson. Of late he has been very anxious to buy it, and has
offered me a sum greater than I had supposed it to be worth. As I
know him to be a close-fisted man, who has tried more than once to get
me to reduce the small rent I charge him, this naturally excites my
curiosity. I think something has been discovered that enhances the
value of the farm, and, if so, I want to know it. You are a boy, and
a visit to the neighborhood will not excite surprise.

"I understand," said Ben. "When do you wish me to start?"

"This afternoon. I have prepared written instructions, and here is a
pocketbook containing a hundred and fifty dollars for expenses."

"Shall I need so much?"

"Probably not; but I wish you to be amply provided. You will remove
all your things from my house, but you may store anything you don't
need to carry."

When Conrad heard that Mrs. Hamilton had taken Ben with her, he was
alarmed lest it should be discovered that the boy pawning the opera
glass was not Ben, but himself. When, upon Mrs. Hamilton's return, he
was summoned to her presence, he entered with trepidation.

"Is your toothache better, Conrad?" asked Mrs. Hamilton.

"A little better, thank you."

"I am going to make a change in your position. Ben is to leave me,
and you will take his place as my secretary."

Conrad's heart bounded with joy and surprise.

"How can I thank you, Cousin Hamilton!" he said, with a feeling of
great relief.

"By serving me well."

"All has turned out for the best, mother," said Conrad joyfully, as he
sought his mother's presence. "Ben is bounced, and I am to take his
place."

"Heaven be praised!" ejaculated Mrs. Hill.

"I hope you'll soon find a place," said Conrad mockingly, when Ben
left the house, valise in hand.

"I think I shall," answered Ben calmly.

CHAPTER XXX
BEN "GOES WEST"

Undisturbed by the thought that his departure was viewed with joy by
Conrad and his mother, Ben set out on his Western journey.

His destination was Centerville, in Western Pennsylvania. I may as
well say that this is not the real name of the place, which, for
several reasons, I conceal.

Though Ben was not an experienced traveler, he found no difficulty in
reaching his destination, having purch