"Do you mind telling me why you did so?"
There was something in his tone which reassured Ben, and he determined to tell the truth frankly.
"I have eaten nothing to-day," he said.
"You never took anything before?"
"No," said Ben, quickly.
"I suppose you had no money to buy with?"
"No, I had not."
"How does it happen that a boy as well dressed as you are, are in such a position?"
"I would rather not tell," said Ben.
"Have you run away from home?"