"Ha! What did you say?"
"I told him he was mistaken."
"Don't tell these fellows too much; they are simply impertinent," said the major, with a frown. "What more did he say?"
"He said you had a boy with you whom you called Philip, and that this boy, as he afterward heard, died at Florence."
Ben looked inquiringly at the major, as if to obtain confirmation or denial of this story.
Major Grafton hesitated, as if not decided what to say.
"It is true," he said, after a pause. "Poor Philip died; but it is a painful subject. I don't like to speak of it. You resemble him very closely, and that was my chief object in taking you as a companion. I don't really need a private secretary, as you have probably found out."
"I wish you did, sir. I would like to do something to earn my wages."
"Don't trouble yourself on that score. It suits me to have a companion; I hate being alone. As long as you conform to my wishes, I will provide for you."
"Thank you, sir."