The clerk said, doubtfully, noting Ben's youthful appearance, and judging that his business could not be of great importance:
"I will see. What name shall I mention?"
"You may say that I come from Major Grafton."
This message brought an immediate invitation to enter the lawyer's sanctum.
The old man regarded him with considerable surprise as he entered.
"I thought you were in Europe, Philip," he said. "Is your guardian with you?"
"I have just come from Europe, Mr. Codicil," answered Ben. "Major Grafton is not with me."
"How does it happen that you have left him? You have not run away, have you?"
"Yes, sir; I felt obliged to run away."