Part 54 (2/2)
”When do you wish to start?”
”To-night,” said Mr. Baldwin resolutely.
”Then I must go to the store, at once, and give notice of my absence.”
Ben lost no time in going to the store. He explained matters fully, and obtained a week's leave of absence. Then he bought tickets for his uncle and himself, and they set out on their long journey.
Chapter x.x.xVII
The Dead Alive
Mr. Brief was considerably surprised when Ben entered his office.
”I thought you had gone back to Boston,” he said.
”I have been back to Boston, Mr. Brief, and returned to Montreal on business.”
”Didn't you finish up your business here?”
”I thought so, sir; but I was mistaken.”
”I am afraid you are not a very good manager. It looks to me like waste of time. What can I do for you?”
”A gentleman came with me, who thinks he would like to have you attend to a little business for him.”
”Certainly,” responded the lawyer bruskly. ”I shall be happy to wait on him. Where is he staying?”
”At the Windsor.”
”And you recommended me? I am much obliged to you. What is the gentleman's name?”
”Marcus Benton.”
”Can't say I ever heard of him Is he from Boston?”
”He comes from Boston,” answered Ben evasively.
In the hope of securing a profitable client, Mr. Brief lost no time in seeking the hotel.
”Remain here a moment,” said Ben, as they entered the office, ”and I will let Mr. Benton know you are here.”
”Certainly,” said the lawyer complacently.
In five minutes Ben reappeared.
”Follow me, if you please, Mr. Brief,” he said. ”By the way, Mr.
Benton says he knows you.”
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