"Will he be in soon?"

"I guess not. He sailed for Europe last week."

Ben's heart sank within him. He had hoped much from Mr. Peters,
before whom he meant to lay all the facts of his mother's situation.
Now that hope was crushed.

He turned and slowly descended the steps.

"There goes our last chance of saving the house," he said to himself
sadly.




CHAPTER XI
THE MADISON AVENUE STAGE


Ben was naturally hopeful, but he had counted more than he was aware
on the chance of obtaining assistance from Absalom Peters toward
paying off his mother's mortgage. As Mr. Peters was in Europe nothing
could be done, and them seemed absolutely no one else to apply to.
They had friends, of course, and warm ones, in Pentonville, but none
that were able to help them.

"I suppose we must make up our minds to lose the house," thought Ben.
"Squire Davenport is selfish and grasping, and there is little chance
of turning him."