Ben’s face brightened up immediately.

“You will find me faithful,” he said, “and I hope I may repay your confidence.”

“I think you will.  I will explain matters to you before you reach the house, as I don’t want Mrs. Hill or Conrad to know about the matter.  Indeed, for reasons of my own, I shall let them think that I discharged you.”

Ben smiled; he was not averse to such a plan.

“And now for the business.  I own a farm in the western part of Pennsylvania.  I have for years let it for a nominal sum to a man named Jackson.  Of late he has been very anxious to buy it, and has offered me a sum greater than I had supposed it to be worth.  As I know him to be a close-fisted man, who has tried more than once to get me to reduce the small rent I charge him, this naturally excites my curiosity.  I think something has been discovered that enhances the value of the farm, and, if so, I want to know it.  You are a boy, and a visit to the neighborhood will not excite surprise.

“I understand,” said Ben.  “When do you wish me to start?”

“This afternoon.  I have prepared written instructions, and here is a pocketbook containing a hundred and fifty dollars for expenses.”

“Shall I need so much?”

“Probably not; but I wish you to be amply provided.  You will remove all your things from my house, but you may store anything you don’t need to carry.”

When Conrad heard that Mrs. Hamilton had taken Ben with her, he was alarmed lest it should be discovered that the boy pawning the opera glass was not Ben, but himself.  When, upon Mrs. Hamilton’s return, he was summoned to her presence, he entered with trepidation.

“Is your toothache better, Conrad?” asked Mrs. Hamilton.

“A little better, thank you.”

“I am going to make a change in your position.  Ben is to leave me, and you will take his place as my secretary.”

Conrad’s heart bounded with joy and surprise.

“How can I thank you, Cousin Hamilton!” he said, with a feeling of great relief.

“By serving me well.”

“All has turned out for the best, mother,” said Conrad joyfully, as he sought his mother’s presence.  “Ben is bounced, and I am to take his place.”

“Heaven be praised!” ejaculated Mrs. Hill.

“I hope you’ll soon find a place,” said Conrad mockingly, when Ben left the house, valise in hand.

“I think I shall,” answered Ben calmly.

CHAPTER XXX BEN “GOES WEST”

Undisturbed by the thought that his departure was viewed with joy by Conrad and his mother, Ben set out on his Western journey.

His destination was Centerville, in Western Pennsylvania.  I may as well say that this is not the real name of the place, which, for several reasons, I conceal.