"No, sir, except an empty purse."
"Permit me to act as your banker."
Mr. Novarro drew from his pocket two hundred and fifty francs in gold and paper and handed them to Ben.
To our hero it seemed like a fairy-tale, in which he was playing the leading part. He half-feared that the gold would turn into brass and the bank-notes into withered leaves; but, strange though it was, he saw good reason to think that his good fortune was real.
"How can I thank you, sir, for your liberality?" he said, gratefully.
"You forget that this is your own money; I am only advancing it to you, and shall be repaid speedily. Will you accept me as your guardian to protect your interests and compel your uncle to disgorge his ill-gotten gains?"
"Thankfully, sir, if you are willing to take the trouble."
"Then you will sail with me for New York by the next steamer. Have you your luggage with you?"
"I have nothing, sir, except what I have on my back. I had to leave the asylum without a change, and I have not been able to change my clothes for a week or more."
"I had forgotten. This must be looked to at once. We will take lunch, and then go out and purchase a new supply of under-clothing."