Ben was also amused, but he sympathized with the lady; and, stepping forward promptly, touched her on the arm.
She looked back in surprise, and then for the first time became aware of the crowd that was following her. She was a lady probably nearing forty, and had a shrewd, kindly look.
"What does it all mean?" she asked.
"There is something on your sack, madam. Allow me to remove it."
And Ben plucked off the ticket, which he handed to the lady.
"I am not surprised at the amusement of the boys," said the lady, smiling. "The ticket should have been removed. I am very much obliged to you, my young friend."
"You are quite welcome," said Ben, bowing and falling back.
The lady smiled, and passed on. She would have remained had she known that by his act of kindness her young acquaintance had involved himself in trouble.
No sooner had the lady disappeared than the disappointed young ruffians who had been making sport of her turned angrily upon our hero.