"Well, I don't know. I should like to, but if I can make a living it is all I expect. Besides, I have another object," added the boy, slowly.
"Were you ever here before?"
"No, sir."
"You are up rather late. You don't sit up so late in the country, do you?"
"Oh, no, I am in bed by nine o'clock generally."
"We don't go to bed early here. I myself haven't been in bed before midnight for three years."
"Do you like to sit up so late?" asked Ben.
"I didn't at first. Now I am used to it. My business keeps me up late."
Seeing that Ben looked curious, he added: