"Would you mind taking this seat at my side ?" she continued, addressing Ben.
"I will change with pleasure," said our hero, taking the seat recently vacated by the pickpocket.
"You have sharp eyes, my young friend," said his new acquaintance.
"My eyes are pretty good," said Ben, with a smile.
"They have done me good service to-day.

May I know to whom I am indebted for such timely help ?" "My name is Benjamin Barclay." "Do you live in the city ?" "No, madam.

I live in Pentonville, about thirty miles from New York." "I have heard of the place.

Are you proposing to live here ?" "No madam.

I came in to-day on a little business of my own, and also to select some goods for a country store in which I am employed." "You are rather young for such a commission." "I know the sort of goods Mr.Crawford sells, so it was not very difficult to make the selection." "At what time do you go back ?" "By the four o'clock train." "Have you anything to do meanwhile ?" "No, madam," answered Ben, a little surprised.
"Then I should like to have you accompany me to the place where I am to settle my bill.