CHAPTER V.
A BEER-GARDEN IN THE BOWERY.
Ben sat down again in his old seat, and occupied himself once more in looking about him. After a while he became sleepy. Besides having taken a considerable walk, he had not slept much the night before. As no one occupied the bench but himself, he thought he might as well make himself comfortable. Accordingly he laid his bundle crosswise at one end, and laid back, using it for a pillow. The visor of his cap he brought down over his eyes, so as to shield them from the afternoon sun. The seat was hard, to be sure, but his recumbent position rested him. He did not mean to go to sleep, but gradually the sounds around him became an indistinct hum; even the noise and bustle of busy Broadway, but a few feet distant, failed to ward off sleep, and in a short time he was sleeping soundly.
Of course he could not sleep in so public a place without attracting attention. Two ragged boys espied him, and held a low conference together.
"What's he got in that bundle, Jim, do you think?" asked one.
"We'd better look and see."
They went up to the bench, and touched him, to make sure that he was fast asleep. The touch did not rouse him to consciousness.
"Just lift up his head, Mike, and I'll take the bundle," said the larger of the two boys.
This was done.