"You discharge me from your service."
"No" answered Mrs. Hamilton, smiling; "I have other work for you to do. I mean to give you a confidential commission."
Ben's face brightened up immediately.
"You will find me faithful," he said, "and I hope I may repay your confidence."
"I think you will. I will explain matters to you before you reach the house, as I don't want Mrs. Hill or Conrad to know about the matter. Indeed, for reasons of my own, I shall let them think that I discharged you."
Ben smiled; he was not averse to such a plan.
"And now for the business. I own a farm in the western part of Pennsylvania. I have for years let it for a nominal sum to a man named Jackson. Of late he has been very anxious to buy it, and has offered me a sum greater than I had supposed it to be worth. As I know him to be a close-fisted man, who has tried more than once to get me to reduce the small rent I charge him, this naturally excites my curiosity. I think something has been discovered that enhances the value of the farm, and, if so, I want to know it. You are a boy, and a visit to the neighborhood will not excite surprise.
"I understand," said Ben. "When do you wish me to start?"
"This afternoon. I have prepared written instructions, and here is a pocketbook containing a hundred and fifty dollars for expenses."
"Shall I need so much?"