"A lady is in more danger than a gentleman," observed the business
man, "as she cannot so well hide away her pocketbook. You will need
to be careful as you walk along the street."

"I think it will be best to have a neighbor whom I can trust," said
the lady. "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."