"It requires patience, sir; but I like it. I hope you are satisfied with me."
"You have exceeded my anticipations. To be candid with you, I doubted the expedience of sending so young a representative."
"I know that, sir, and it made me work harder."
"I should have no hesitation in sending you again. In fact, I shall probably send you next month to New York and Philadelphia."
"I should like that very much, sir," said Ben, his eyes sparkling. "I shall try to satisfy you."
"I think you will," said his employer kindly. "I never doubted your fidelity. Now I feel assured of your capacity and tact. Have you any orders not yet reported?"
"Two or three small ones, sir."
"Give them to me."
This done, Mr. Porter dismissed Ben for the day. "You need not report for work till to-morrow morning."
Ben was glad to go to his boarding-house. On arriving there he received another cordial greeting, this time from Mr. Benton. The old gentleman seemed really delighted to see him, and eager to learn what he had accomplished. Ben began to speak of the orders he had received; but Mr. Benton interrupted him.