"I see you don't attach much importance to my offer of friendship. Yet I can do you an important service."
Mr. Taylor, who had been occupying a seat with Ben, here arose.
"You have something to say to my young friend," he said. "Take my seat."
"Don't let me deprive you of it," said the other with a politeness Ben had not deemed him capable of.
"By no means. I am going into the smoking car to smoke a cigar. Ben, I will be back soon."
"I didn't expect to meet you so far from Pentonville," said Ben's new companion, unable to suppress his curiosity.
"I don't live in Pentonville now."
"Where then?"
"In the city of New York."
"Are you employed there?"