Part 53 (1/2)

Chapter x.x.xVI

A Surprising Discovery

”I suppose I have done all I can,” said Ben to himself. ”There will be no object in remaining in Montreal any longer.”

He immediately purchased a ticket, and took the next train homeward. He arrived in Boston at mid-day.

He went at once to the store, and was cordially welcomed by the bookkeeper.

”I am glad to see you, Ben,” said the young man. ”My uncle is well pleased with the orders you have sent home.”

”Then he is satisfied with me?”

”I leave him to tell you that. You can go at once into the countingroom.”

Ben reported himself as directed.

”Welcome back, Ben,” said the old gentleman. ”Have you just arrived?”

”I reached the station twenty minuets ago, sir.”

”And came directly to the store; I like that. How do you like drumming?”

”It requires patience, sir; but I like it. I hope you are satisfied with me.”

”You have exceeded my antic.i.p.ations. To be candid with you, I doubted the expedience of sending so young a representative.”

”I know that, sir, and it made me work harder.”

”I should have no hesitation in sending you again. In fact, I shall probably send you next month to New York and Philadelphia.”

”I should like that very much, sir,” said Ben, his eyes sparkling.

”I shall try to satisfy you.”

”I think you will,” said his employer kindly. ”I never doubted your fidelity. Now I feel a.s.sured of your capacity and tact. Have you any orders not yet reported?”

”Two or three small ones, sir.”

”Give them to me.”

This done, Mr. Porter dismissed Ben for the day. ”You need not report for work till to-morrow morning.”

Ben was glad to go to his boarding-house. On arriving there he received another cordial greeting, this time from Mr.

Benton. The old gentleman seemed really delighted to see him, and eager to learn what he had accomplished. Ben began to speak of the orders he had received; but Mr. Benton interrupted him.

”I don't mean that,” he said. ”I want to hear about your own affairs. Did you see Mr. Brief the lawyer?”