But Ben’s smooth waters were not to be of long continuance, as the next chapter will show.
CHAPTER XXI.
BEN MEETS WITH A LOSS.
Ben lost no time in calling at Simpson’s and redeeming his watch. He felt very fortunate in recovering it so soon.
Mr. Snodgrass dropped a hint that he should be glad to have Ben redeem his watch too, but the young actor did not feel that his prosperity was sure to be permanent, and ignored the suggestion. In fact his engagement continued but four weeks, as at the end of that time Mr. Wilkins’s play had to give place to another attraction at the People’s Theater.
“I hope, Ben,” said Mr. Wilkins, “that the piece may go on the road soon, but just at present we have not been able to find a capitalist willing to advance the necessary sum. If a new company is organized I shall try to get your old part for you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wilkins. Of course I should like it. But the four weeks I have played have been of great service to me. Besides paying a debt and getting my watch out of pawn, I have been able to save up sixty dollars, which are safely deposited in the Union Dime Savings Bank.”
“That is good. And what do you propose to do, Ben?”
“I shall go back to my old business.”
“Selling papers on the Bowery?”