Rose listened with eager attention.

“Weren’t you terribly frightened?” she asked.

“No,” answered Ben, adding, with a smile:  “Even if I had been, I shouldn’t like to confess it.”

“I should have been so frightened that I would have screamed,” continued the young lady.

“I didn’t think of that,” said Ben, amused.  “I’ll remember it next time.”

“Oh, now I know you are laughing at me.  Tell me truly, weren’t you frightened?”

“I was only afraid I would lose Mr. Crawford’s money.  The tramp was stronger than I, and could have taken it from me if he had known I had it.”

“You tricked him nicely.  Where did he go?  Do you think he is still in town?”

“He went into the woods.  I don’t think he is in the village.  He would be afraid of being arrested.”

At that very moment the tramp was in Ben’s kitchen, but of that Ben had no idea.

“I don’t know what I should do if I met him,” said Rose.  “You see I came alone.  Aunt couldn’t come with me, and uncle, being a minister, doesn’t care for such things.”

“Then I hope you’ll let me see you home,” said Ben gallantly.

“I wouldn’t like to trouble you,” said Rose, with a spice of coquetry.  “It will take you out of your way.”

“I don’t mind that,” said Ben eagerly.

“Besides there won’t be any need.  You say the tramp isn’t in the village.”

“On second thoughts, I think it very likely he is,” said Ben.

“If you really think so—­” commenced Rose, with cunning hesitation.

“I feel quite sure of it.  He’s a terrible looking fellow.”

Rose smiled to herself.  She meant all the time to accept Ben’s escort, for he was a bright, attractive boy, and she liked his society.

“Then perhaps I had better accept your offer, but I am sorry to give you so much trouble.”

“No trouble at all,” said Ben promptly.

Just then Prof.  Harrington came forward and made his introductory speech.

“For my first experiment, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, when this was over, “I should like a pocket handkerchief.”

A countrified-looking young man on the front seat, anxious to share in the glory of the coming trick, produced a flaming red bandanna from his pocket and tendered it with outstretched hand.

“You are very kind,” said the professor, “but this will hardly answer my purpose.  I should prefer a linen handkerchief.  Will some young lady oblige me?”

“Let him have yours, Rose,” suggested Ben.

Rose had no objection, and it was passed to the professor.

“The young lady will give me leave to do what I please with the handkerchief?” asked the professor.

Rose nodded assent.

“Then,” said the professor, “I will see if it is proof against fire.”

He deliberately unfolded it, crushed it in his hand, and then held it in the flame of a candle.