"Excuse me, Ben; but really I can't help it. See, there's Miss Clark coming. If she don't laugh I'll forfeit a dollar."
Miss Clark was one of the prettiest young ladies in the village, and to be seen by her was most humiliating. But there was no dodging it. She met Ben face to face, and, as might be expected, was moved to merriment.
"Good-morning, Miss Clark," said Ben, sheepishly.
The young lady tried to say good-morning, but only burst into a fresh fit of mirth as she passed along, Sam joining her a few moments afterwards.
Ben walked on very much discomposed. He was still half a mile from home, and it was very probable that he would meet others.
"I'd give fifty dollars to be safe at home," he groaned.
He had reason to say so. Just then the scholars in the village school were sent out to their morning recess. They espied the strange figure, and instantly, boy-like, started in pursuit.
"Keep your distance!" said Ben, furiously, to his young tormentors.
"Oh my! what a fine young lady I am!" said one.