"I am from Hampton, in New York State."
"I know something of Hampton," said Hunter. "I have never been there; but I have a distant relative living there."
"Who is it?" asked Ben, with interest. "I know everybody there."
"I dare say you know my relative, for I am given to understand that he is the great man of Hampton."
"Mayor Sturgis?"
"Yes, that is his name. He married a cousin of my mother, so the relationship is not very close. He is rich, isn't he?"
"He is the richest man in Hampton."
"I suppose he is aware of that fact," said Hunter, laughing.
"If he isn't, his son, Sam, is," replied Ben. "Sam wanted to engage me as his servant before I came away. He wanted me to black his boots."
"And you objected, I suppose?"