"Ben," she said hurriedly, "I must leave the table. Do you see that tall man sitting by the window?"
"Yes, Cousin Ida."
"It is my guardian. He has not seen me yet, but I must be cautious. Direct a servant to bring me some supper in my room, and come up there yourself when you are through."
"All right!"
Miss Sinclair left the room, but Ben maintained his place. He took particular notice of the gentleman who had been pointed out to him. He was a tall, slender man, with iron-gray hair, and a stern, unpleasant look. Ben judged that her guardian had not seen Miss Sinclair, for he seemed wholly intent upon his supper.
"I don't wonder she wanted to run away from him," thought our hero. Ben smiled as it flashed upon him that this young lady was running away with him.
"I didn't expect, when I left home, to meet with any such adventure as this," he said to himself. "But I do mean to help Miss Sinclair all I possibly can. It doesn't seem quite natural to call her Ida, but I will do as she wants me to."
Meanwhile Mr. Campbell had made inquiries at the office if a young lady from Albany was staying at the hotel.
"No," said the clerk.
It will be remembered that Miss Sinclair had registered from Philadelphia, or, rather, Ben had done so for her.