As there was considerable time to be filled up, Ben went about the city under the guidance of Adelbert, and got a fair idea of it. Never before having been in any city, he was quite impressed with the size of Boston.

“I suppose New York is still larger,” he said to his cousin.

“So I hear, but I have never been there.”

“It will seem strange to me living in so large a place.”

“Large places seem to agree with you. This is your first day in Boston, and you have already made thirty-five dollars.”

“I don’t expect to follow it up with such luck.”

“Probably not. If you could make that sum once a week you would do better than most boys of your age.”

A little before two o’clock the boys rang the bell at Mr. Wentworth’s house on Mt. Vernon Street.

The door was opened by a well-dressed serving-man, who greeted them with a smile, and relieved them of any embarrassment by saying, “Please follow me. You are expected.”

He led the way up-stairs to a handsome apartment, which appeared to be fitted up as a sitting-room and library.

“Be seated, please.”

They sat down and had begun to examine some of the books on the table, when an attractive lady entered the room, leading by the hand little Paul.

“Which of you boys saved the life of my little boy?” she asked with emotion.

“My cousin Ben,” answered Adelbert.

She grasped Ben’s hand warmly, saying, “I shall never forget the service you have done me, my brave boy.”

Ben blushed and felt uncomfortable, for he was modest and did not think he deserved such a warm tribute.

“Won’t you come and sit by me, Paul?” he asked, for he was fond of little boys.

Paul went up at once and sat beside him on the sofa.

“Were you very much afraid?” asked Ben.

“Wasn’t I just? I thought the dog was going to bite me. Were you frightened?” “I was at first, but I forgot all about it when I saw your danger.”

“This wasn’t the coat you threw over the dog’s head?”

“No; I gave that to a boy who asked for it.”

“You wouldn’t want to wear it again?”

“No. It would always make me think of the mad dog.”

“Have you got any little brothers?”

“No; I wish I had. I should like a little brother like you.”

“Do you live in the city?” asked Mrs. Wentworth of Adelbert.

“No; I live about eighteen miles from here, in the country.”

“Does your cousin live with you?”

“No; I have not seen him for four years. He is on his way to New York.”

“I hope he will prosper. He deserves to do so.”

Just then Mr. Wentworth entered and dinner was announced.

“I will sit by Ben,” said Paul, who by this time felt quite at home with his preserver.

“You seem to have won Paul’s heart,” remarked Mrs. Wentworth with a smile.

Of course the dinner was excellent and well served. It must be confessed that both boys were very hungry and did full justice to it.

When the last course was served Mr. Wentworth rose from the table.

“You must excuse me, young gentlemen,” he said, “but I have a business appointment at a quarter past three and I have barely time to meet it. Don’t hurry, however; Mrs. Wentworth and Paul will entertain you. Before going let me say,” he was addressing Ben now, “if ever you get into trouble or need a friend don’t hesitate to write to me. And now good-by, and good luck.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Ben gratefully. The boys remained twenty minutes longer, and then rose to go.

“Wait a minute,” said Mrs. Wentworth. “Come with me, Paul.”

The two left the room, but immediately returned. Paul held in his hand a silver hunting watch with a neat chain attached to it.

“This is for you, Ben,” he said.

Ben looked surprised and pleased. He had always wanted a watch.

“Yes,” said Mrs. Wentworth, “you are to consider this a gift from Paul. I hope it will do you good service.” “I thank you and him very much,” said Ben gratefully. “Paul, you must let me kiss you.”

The little boy threw his arms around the neck of his new friend and kissed him warmly.

“You must come and see me again,” he said.

“I hope to do so some time.”

The two boys left the house, much pleased with their visit.

“This is a lucky day for you, Ben,” said Adelbert. “I hope your luck will continue.”

“I feel a good deal better than I did yesterday at this time,” responded Ben. “What nice people they are!”

“Yes, but I am sure you will find plenty more such in New York. You must write to me, Ben.”

“Yes, I will be sure to do so.”

“And look out for pickpockets when you are on the boat. Don’t let them steal your watch.”

“It seems odd to have anything worth stealing, Del.”

“It would have been a good while before your stepfather gave you a watch.”

“Yes; he is about as mean a man as I ever met. Mother made a great mistake in marrying him. When I am able I shall ask her to leave him and come to live with me.” “Why can’t you go up to Natick to-night with me, and stay over till to-morrow?”

“I feel in a hurry to reach New York and see what I can do there. I am anxious to know how I am going to make out.”

“Then I will excuse you this time. Perhaps you can come and see me next year.”

“If I am lucky I may be able to do so.”

At half-past four they went to Shuman’s and Ben got his bundle. Adelbert also made choice of a suit, but one not so expensive as Ben’s. “I can’t afford to go high as you did, Ben,” he said.

On their way to the depot they met a newsboy who called out. “Evenin’ papers! Record and Globe! All about the mad dog!”

This attracted Adelbert’s attention.

“Why, it’s about you, Ben,” he said. “Give me the Globe.”

“And me, too,” added Ben.

They hastily opened it, and Ben flushed with pleasure to see his picture staring at him from the fourth page. There was quite a full account of the capture of the dog, and Ben was highly praised for his bravery and presence of mind.

“Does the Globe go to Wrayburn?” asked Adelbert.

“Yes, but Mr. Winter doesn’t take it.” “He will hear of it. I should like to be present when he reads the account and sees your picture.”

“So should I. He won’t know anything of the presents I received.”

Though the Fall River train did not start till six the boys reached the Old Colony station at half-past five, and then Adelbert left his cousin, as he wished to take a train to his country home. When the train was ready Ben, with his bundle in his hand, joined the moving crowd of passengers and entered the cars.

The low rate of fare increased the crowd considerably, and it was evident that the steamer would be well filled. Ben had some difficulty in finding a seat, and there were quite a number standing in each of the cars that composed the train.

In an hour and a half the brakeman put his head in and announced “Fall River!”

All the passengers got out, Ben among them, and made their way to the mammoth steamer waiting to convey them to New York.

Every stateroom was taken, and every berth, so that Ben found he should have to sit up. He was not alone, however, for there was a considerable number in the same predicament. He did not know what to do with his bundle till one of the passengers directed him to the baggage-room on the lower deck. He carried his package thither and received a check in return, which he put into his pocket. Then he went up-stairs again.

Presently he felt hungry, and learning that supper could be had below, he went down-stairs. He had to wait a considerable time before there was a vacant seat at the tables and he was allowed to enter. The prices he found higher than at the restaurant where he had taken breakfast, but then it must be stated that the quality of the food provided was much better.

Ben made as economical a supper as he could, ordering a cup of coffee and some boiled eggs. When he had finished he still felt hungry, but he reflected that his finances were limited, and refrained from ordering more, but partook heartily of the bread which was liberally supplied.

He was wandering about the boat after supper, when, happening to go down to the main deck, he saw a commonly dressed man smoking a clay pipe.

There was something familiar in the fellow’s look.

“Where have I seen that face before?” Ben asked himself.