"Yes, sir."
"How did you happen to lose your place?" inquired Mr. Manning searchingly.
"It was the dull times, sir. They discharged quite a number, and as I was one of the latest on, of course I was among the first to go."
"You don't complain of that, do you?"
"No, sir; but at the same time, it was unlucky for me."
"Still, it wasn't as bad as if you were a man with a family to support."
"I have a family to support, sir."
"You have?" repeated Mr. Manning, a little surprised. "You are rather young—to have a family," he added, with a smile.
Ben laughed.
"I am not married yet, if that's what you mean," he said; "but I have an aunt and cousin to take care of."