"I shall call you Philip Grafton," continued the stranger.
"Why can't I keep my own name?" asked Ben, uneasily.
"It is unnecessary to state. My secretary must be Philip Grafton," said the gentleman, firmly. "Don't you like the name?"
"Yes, sir; it is a good name. Many would prefer it to mine, but I don't like to sail under false colors."
"It is a whim of mine," said the gentleman, "but I don't think you will be sorry for acceding to it. Now, as to compensation, I propose to pay you fifty dollars a month and board—that is, of course, you will live with me."
"Fifty dollars a month!" repeated Ben, opening his eyes in amazement.
"Yes; isn't it satisfactory?"
"I don't see how I can possibly earn fifty dollars a month."
"That is my lookout. As long as I am satisfied, you needn't worry about that."