Part 14 (1/2)
”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 business firm in the great city.
They left the hotel, Mr. Manning lighting a fresh cigar.
”I won't offer you a cigar, Ben,” he said, ”for I don't think it well for boys of your age to smoke.”
”I never smoked in my life,” said Ben.
”But I presume you know some boys that do.”
”Oh, yes, plenty of them.”
”It is a bad thing for them, impoveris.h.i.+ng the blood, and often checking the growth. I am glad you have not contracted the habit.
Suppose we walk by your house?”