Ben answered the question.
"You'll have a stupid time," said Conrad. "All the same, she ought to have given the place to me. How much does she pay you?"
Ben hesitated, for he knew that his answer would make his companion discontented.
"I am not sure whether I am at liberty to tell," he answered, with hesitation.
"There isn't any secret about it, is there?" said Conrad sharply.
No, I suppose not. I am to receive ten dollars a week."
"Ten dollars a week!" ejaculated Conrad, stopping short in the street.
"Yes."
"And I get but four! That's a shame!"
"I shall really have no more than you, Conrad. I have a mother to provide for, and I shall send home six dollars a week regularly."