"Not that I know of," answered Ben.
"Then there's a woman in it?" said his new acquaintance, in a tone of conviction. "It's his sweetheart that wants to find him. I'm right. Yes, I know it. But there's one thing that I can't see through."
"What is that?"
"Why does the gal-if it is a gal-send a boy like you on the trail?"
"Suppose there was no one else to send," suggested Ben.
"That makes it a little plainer. Where is the gal?"
"Ought I to confide in this man?" thought Ben. "I never met him before. I only know that he has lost all his money at the gambling-table. Yet he may help me, and I must confide in somebody. He is a rough customer, but he seems honest and sincere."
"Here in San Francisco," he answered. "I cannot tell you more until I have her permission."
"That's all right. Ef I can help you, I will, Ben. You said your name was Ben?"
"Yes."