"Did you meet any such man there?" asked Mrs. Hill.
"No."
"Have you got the letter you speak of?" asked Mrs. Hamilton.
"No," answered Ben. "I must have dropped it somewhere. I felt in my pocket for it when I reached the gambling house, but it was gone."
Mrs. Hill looked fairly triumphant.
"A very queer story!" she said, nodding her head. "I don't believe you received any such letter. I presume you had often been to the same place to misspend your evenings."
"Do you think so, Mrs. Hamilton?" inquired Ben anxiously.
"It is a pity you lost that letter, Ben."
"Yes, it is," answered Ben regretfully.
"Mrs. Hill," said Mrs. Hamilton, "if you will withdraw, I would like to say a few words to Ben in private."