"Then, first of all, write to this lawyer, and inquire the particulars of Mr. Baldwin's death; and next, how his property is left. Then make him acquainted with the terms on which your aunt has occupied her house."
This advice seemed reasonable, and Ben adopted it.
As Ben left the store at six o'clock, one evening, he brushed by an old man with a bent figure and apparently feeble. He stumbled and would have fallen had not Ben sprung forward and held him up.
"Thank you, my boy," he said, in a tremulous voice.
"You seem feeble," said Ben compassionately.
"Yes, I am not strong."
"If you wish it I will accompany you to your house; you might fall again."
"What is your name?"
"Benjamin Bradford."
"Where do you board?" asked the old man abruptly.