"Did you live on the farm?"
"No; I lived with my mother."
"She is living, then?"
"Yes," said Ben, and his face lighted up with love for his absent mother.
"I should think Mr. Walton would do something for his own sister."
"So he does. He sends her twenty-five dollars a month. She lives in a small house belonging to my grandfather. My uncle is part owner, but he lets mother live in it."
"I suppose you don't like the country, or you wouldn't have come to the city."
"I have a taste for business, and no taste for farming. My uncle came to New York a poor boy, and he has succeeded. I don't see why I can't."
"It doesn't always follow," said the reporter, thoughtfully. "Still I think you have it in you to succeed. You look bold, persevering and resolute."
"I mean to succeed!" said Ben, firmly. "I am not afraid of work."