es.

"Thank you," said Ben, laughing, "that's what my friend, the mayor of
New York, often writes me. But honestly, I know I can do a good deal
better than I am doing now. I don't know but I shall turn over a new
leaf. I suppose I like fun a little too well. Such jolly sport as I had
coming to the office this morning."

Ben related the story of the traveller who inquired the way to Sparta,
much to the amusement of the postmaster, who, in his enjoyment of the
joke, forgot to tell Ben that his conduct was hardly justifiable.

"Now," said Ben, "as soon as I have been home, I must go and see my
particular friend, Mrs. Mudge. I'm a great favorite of hers," he added,
with a sly wink.

XIX.

MRS. MUDGE'S DISCOMFITURE.

Ben knocked at the door of the Poorhouse. In due time Mrs. Mudge
appeared. She was a little alarmed on seeing Ben, not knowing how Squire
Newcome might be affected by the reception she had given him on his last
visit. Accordingly she received him with unusual politeness.

"How do you do, Master Newcome?" she inquired.

"As well as could be expected," said Ben, hesitatingly.

"Why, is there anything the matter with you?" inquired Mrs. Mudge, her
curiosity excited by his manner of speaking.

"No one can tell what I suffer from rheumatism," said Ben, sadly.

This was very true, since not even Ben himself could have told.

"You are very young to be troubled in that way," said Mrs. Mudge, "and
how is your respected father, to-day?" she inquired, with some anxiety.

"I was just going to ask you, Mrs. Mudge," said Ben, "whether anything
happened to disturb him when he called here day before yesterday?"

"Why," said Mrs. Mudge, turning a little pale, "Nothing of any
consequence,--that is, not much. What makes you ask?"

"I thought it might be so from his manner," said Ben, enjoying Mrs.
Mudge's evident alarm.

"There was a little accident," said Mrs. Mudge, reluctantly. "Some
mischievous boy had been knocking and running away; so, when your father
knocked, I thought it might be he, and--and I believe I threw some
water on him. But I hope he has forgiven it, as it wasn't intentional.
I should like to get hold of that boy," said Mrs. Mudge, wrathfully, "I
should like to shake him up."

"Have you any idea who it was?" asked Ben, gravely.

"No," said Mrs. Mudge, "I haven't, but I shall try to find out. Whoever
it is, he's a scamp."

"Very complimentary old lady," thought Ben. He said in a sobe