"Will you go? I think of going, and would like your company."
"No, I guess not," said Ben. "It would be too much for Emma. She is only a little girl, and could not stand the fatigue."
"I wouldn't dare to go up so high, Ben," said Emma timidly.
Here a well-dressed lady, who had heard the discussion said: "If you would like to go up, young man, I will take care of the little girl till you come down. Will you stay with me, my dear?"
She smiled pleasantly, and Emma's confidence was won.
"Yes, Ben, I will stay with her," she said; "only don't be gone too long."
Ben hesitated. He wanted to go up, and was not sure when he would have another opportunity. He could see no reason to doubt that Emma would be entirely safe under the care of the stranger.
"I don't like to give you so much trouble," said Ben.
"It will be no trouble," said the lady politely. "I am fond of children."
It was twenty-five minutes before Ben descended. He looked for Emma, and his heart gave a great bound of dismay.