“We can go back together, then.”

“I shall be glad to travel in your company, sir.”

“Do you expect to remain in Mrs. Hamilton’s employ?”

“I don’t know,” answered Ben.

“What were you doing?”

“Keeping accounts and acting as her private secretary.”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes; I find it very pleasant, or would be but for one thing.”

“What is that?”

“She has relatives living in the house who do not like me.”

“Jealous, eh?”

“Perhaps so.”

“Let me say frankly, that you are fitted for something higher.  I am a good judge of men—­”

Ben smiled.

“Boys, then; and I consider you a boy of excellent business capacity.  After I have got my oil wells under way, I should like to engage you as superintendent.”

“I am flattered by your good opinion, Mr. Taylor, but it is a business I know nothing of.”

“You would make it your business to learn it, or I mistake you.”

“You are right there, sir.”

“However, there will be plenty of time to arrange about this matter.  It would probably be two months before I felt justified in leaving another in charge.”

The two started for New York.  About fifty miles before reaching the city, as Ben was reading a magazine he had purchased from the train-boy, he felt a touch upon his shoulder.

Looking up, he recognized, to his amazement, the tramp with whom he had had an adventure some weeks before in Pentonville.

“I see you know me,” said the tramp, with a smile.

CHAPTER XXXIII GOOD NEWS

The tramp, as we may call him for want of a different name, certainly showed signs of improvement in his personal appearance.  He looked quite respectable, in fact, in a business suit of gray mixed cloth, and would have passed muster in any assemblage.

“I think I have met you before,” answered Ben, with a smile.

“Perhaps it would have been more of a compliment not to have recognized me.  I flatter myself that I have changed.”

“So you have, and for the better.”

“Thank you.  I believe we rode together when we last met.”

“Yes,” said Ben.

“And you were not sorry to part copy with me—­is it not so?”

“I won’t contradict you.”

“Yet I am inclined to be your friend.”

“I am glad of it,” said Ben politely, though, truth to tell, he did not anticipate any particular benefit to accrue from the acquaintance of the speaker.

“I see you don’t attach much importance to my offer of friendship.  Yet I can do you an important service.”

Mr. Taylor, who had been occupying a seat with Ben, here arose.

“You have something to say to my young friend,” he said.  “Take my seat.”

“Don’t let me deprive you of it,” said the other with a politeness Ben had not deemed him capable of.