"I am glad to see you, my young friend," he said, rising and offering his hand to Ben. "Are you on a visit to the city?"
Poor Ben! His heart sank within him. Evidently Mr. Porter would not ask such a question of a boy whom he had engaged to work for him.
The young man saw his embarrassment and answered for him.
"That's rather an odd question to ask you new clerk, uncle," he said.
"My new clerk, Henry? I don't understand you."
"Ben, show your letter."
"That is a forgery," said the uncle rather indignantly.
Poor Ben! Manly as he was, he felt ready to cry.
"I am sorry," he said faltering.
"Have you any idea who wrote it?" asked Mr. Porter.