piece of woods a mile back, he asked me for all the money I had."

"A highwayman, and so near Pentonville!" ejaculated Simon Crawford.
"What was he like?"

"A regular tramp."

"Yet you say you have the money. How did you manage to keep it from
him?"

Ben detailed the stratagem of which he made use.

"You did well," said the storekeeper approvingly. "I must give you a
dollar for the one you sacrificed."

"But sir, it was bad money. I couldn't have passed it."

"That does not matter. You are entitled to some reward for the
courage and quick wit you displayed. Here is a dollar, and--let me
see, there is an entertainment at the Town Hall this evening, isn't
there?"

"Yes, sir. Prof. Harrington, the magician, gives an entertainment,"
said Ben eagerly.

"At what time does it commence?"

"At eight o'clock."

"You may leave the store at half-past seven. That will give you