Wait and Hope Part 19

"What's the odds? Well, Ben, if you'll give me a quarter. I'll go round and show you some of the sights; what do you say?"

Ben hesitated. It seemed to him a little extravagant. At the same time his curiosity was aroused, and he finally agreed to the proposal.

When he returned to his home in the country, he felt that he should like to be able to tell his companions something of the city he had visited.

"Give me five cents in advance," said the newly engaged guide.

"What for?" asked Ben, cautiously.

"I want to get some cigarettes."

Ben complied with his request.

The boy darted into a small cigar store, and soon emerged with a cigarette in his mouth at which he puffed with evident pleasure.

"Won't you try one?" he asked.

"I guess not," said Ben.

"Come along, then. You ask any questions about what you see, and I'll answer."

"What's that field? It's a common, isn't it?" asked Ben pointing to a park after they walked down Broadway for a few blocks.

"Oh, that's Madison Park; but we've got a good deal bigger park than that up-town. Central Park--that's the name of it."

"Is it far off?"

"About two miles. Do you want to go there?"

"No, I'd rather see the streets, and the nice buildings. I can see plenty of fields at home."

"Are you going to stay long in the city?" asked, Tom, for this Ben learned was the name of his companion.

"Only a day or two. I want to see as much as I can while I am here."

They walked down Broadway, Tom pointing out the prominent buildings, and answering the numerous questions asked by Ben.

On the whole, he proved to be a very good investment in the way of a guide, being well-informed on the subjects about which Ben inquired.

When they reached the Astor House, Tom said: "I guess you've got a quarter's worth out of me. If you want me any longer you must give me another quarter."

"I can't afford it," said Ben, "I guess I can get round by myself now."

So Tom left him with scant ceremony, and Ben sat down on a bench in City Hall Park to rest.

Chapter XII

An Adventure

Presently a young man, rather showily dressed, sat down beside Ben.

He glanced sharply at our hero, but did not immediately address him.

Finally he said: "Fine day, my young friend."

"Yes, sir, very fine," returned Ben politely.

"I suppose you live in the city?"

"No, sir, I am here only on a visit," said Ben, rather flattered by the supposition.

"I don't look so green, after all," he thought.

"So am I," said the other, "I live in Philadelphia."

"I am from the country," said Ben.

"Indeed! You have lived in the city some time, have you not?"

"No, sir."

"I am surprised to hear it. You have the appearance of a city boy."

Ben was not inaccessible to flattery. It was not surprising that he regarded the young man from Philadelphia with favor.

"Have you dined?" inquired the stranger.

"Not yet," said Ben. "I don't know where to find a restaurant."

"Say no more about it, my young friend. I shall be glad to have you dine with me. I know a good place, quite near by."

"You are very kind," said Ben, "considering that I am a stranger."

"I have a young cousin who resembles you very closely. I suppose that is why I cannot regard you as a stranger. By the way, what is your name?"

"Ben Bradford."

"Singular coincidence! My cousin is named Benjamin. My name is John Smithson. Well, Ben, if you will allow me the familiarity, suppose we go to dinner."

"Thank you, Mr. Smithson."

Ben followed his new acquaintance to a moderately-priced restaurant in Fulton Street. It was the first time he had ever been to an eating-house, and looked with interest at the numerous tables.

Smithson and he took seats at a small table opposite each other, and the former began to inspect the bill of fare.

"I hope you have a good appet.i.te, my young friend," he said, "so that you may do justice to my hospitality."

"City people seem to be very kind," thought Ben. "No one in Milltown would pay me such attention."

Finally he made his selection, and so did Smithson.