"He used to earn money here at home," said Alice.
"Only a little. No doubt he can do better in New York, if he can get a chance. If his uncle will only help him——"
"I should think he might, mother. Ben is a good boy."
"There is none better," assented his mother, fondly; "but strangers may not know that."
Just then a neighbor, driving by, paused in the road and called out to the widow, whom he saw at the open window:
"Widder Baker, there's a letter for you at the post-office. 'Spect it's from Ben."
"Go right over and get it, Alice," said her mother, excitedly.
Alice wasn't long in performing her errand. She came back well rewarded, bringing with her two letters, one of which had arrived the day before. The first letter contained an account of his cold reception by his uncle, and on the other hand his good luck in encountering Major Grafton. As an earnest of his good fortune he enclosed three five-dollar bills.
"God has been very good to us!" said the widow, with beaming face. "I can hardly believe in Ben's good fortune."