while he was
self-possessed at the most trying times.

He made a laughing reply to Dolly, who at once seated herself beside him
and began chatting in her liveliest style, which was very lively indeed.
To those who approached, she introduced him as the young man who had
saved her life the preceding winter, until Ben begged her to make no
further reference to it. Many of the other girls gathered around, and
showed their admiration of Ben in a most marked manner. These were mostly
from Boston or New York, who had heard of the young hero, but had never
looked upon him before.

Dolly was talking away with lightning speed to Ben, who managed to edge
in a word now and then, when a dapper young man of sixteen years spruced
forward.

"They are going to form for the lancers, Miss Dolly; I believe I have
your promise for my partner."

"I thank you, Rutherford, but I have changed my mind, and will dance with
Master Ben."

This was a daring and almost unwarranted act on the part of the little
empress, for Ben had not yet spoken to her on the matter. But he was
quick to seize the advantage, and, instantly rising to his feet, offered
his arm to Dolly, and started toward the dancing-room, as though the
whole thing had been prearranged before the other party presented
himself.

This act brought him face to face with the disappointed young man, whose
countenance flushed with anger.

"Rutherford, this is he who saved my life last winter, Master Ben
Mayberry; my friend, Rutherford Richmond."

The two saluted each other somewhat distantly; and with feelings which it
would be hard to describe, Ben recognized the tall, rather callow youth
as the Rutherford who stoned him several years before, when he was
floating down the river on a log, and to whom Ben in turn had given a
most thorough castigation.

CHAPTER XIV

THE CONSPIRACY

Rutherford Richmond recognized Ben Mayberry at the same instant that the
latter identified him. But neither gave any evidence of the fact that
could be understood by other parties.

Ben took his position with Dolly by his side, and they were without doubt
the handsomest couple on the floor that evening. Their mutual interest
was so marked that everyone present noticed it, and it caused comment
without end.

"Yes, I believe he sweeps out the office for a telegraph company. He
manages to save up enough money in the course of a year to buy a decent
suit of clothes."

Ben Mayberry was sitting