him for a salesman.

"You can speak a good word for me, Harry; for I should like to work
here," continued Ben.

"I thought you were in--in the--"

Harry did not like to use the offensive expression, and Ben's face
darkened when he discovered what the other was going to say.

"Not a word about that," said he. "If you ever mention that little
matter, I'll take your life."

"But how was it?"

"My father got me out, and then I ran away. Not a word more, for I had
as lief be hung for an old sheep as a lamb."

"There is Mr. Wake; you can apply to him," continued Harry.

Ben walked boldly up to Mr. Wake, and asked for the place. The senior
talked with him a few moments, and then retired to his private office,
calling Harry as he entered.

"If you say anything, I will be the death of you," whispered Ben, as
Harry passed him on his way to the office.

Our hero was not particularly pleased with these threats; he certainly
was not frightened by them.

"Do you know that boy, Harry?" asked Mr. Wake, as he presented himself
before the senior.

"I do, sir."

"Who is he, and what is he?"

"His name is Benjamin Smart. He belongs to Redfield."

"To Redfield? He said he came from Worcester."

"I believe Mr. Bryant told you the story about my leaving Redfield,"
said Harry.

"He did."

"That is the boy that run away with me."

"And the one that set the barn afire?"

"Yes, sir."

"That is enough." And Harry returned to his work at the counter.

"What did he say to you?" asked Ben.

Before Harry had time to make any reply, Mr. Wake joined them.

"We don't want you, young man," said he.

With a glance of hatred at Harry, the applicant left the store. Since
leaving Redfield, our hero's views of duty had undergone a change; and
he now realized that to screen a wicked person was to plot with him
against the good order of society. He knew Ben's character; he had no
reason, after their interview, to suppose it was changed; and he could
not wrong his employers by permitting them ignorantly to engage a bad
boy, especially when he had been questioned directly on the point.

Towards evening Harry was sent with a bundle to a place in Boylston
Street, which required him to cross the Common. On his return, when he
reached the corner of the burying ground, Ben Smart, who had evidently
followed him, and lay in wait at this spot for him, sprang from his
covert upon him. The young villain struck him a heavy blow in the eye