From time to time Ben asked questions of Mr. Manning; but after a while that gentlemen met a friend on the cars, and Ben was left pretty much to himself.
They did not reach New York till midnight.
"I will take you to my boarding-house to-night, Ben," said his companion. "Tomorrow we will talk over our plans."
A hansom conveyed them to a house in an up-town street, where Mr. Manning boarded. Of course Ben could not at that hour see much of the great city which he was visiting for the first time. Besides, he was quite fatigued, and felt more like closing his eyes in sleep than using them.
Mr. Manning's rooms were very comfortable, and even luxurious. Ben slept soundly till his companion waked him up.
"Come, Ben, it's eight o'clock, and the breakfast bell is ringing. Haven't you had sleep enough?"
The sun was shining bright in at the window, and the noise of carriages could be heard in the street beneath.
Ben looked about him in momentary bewilderment.
"Don't you know where you are?" asked Mr. Manning smiling.
"Yes, I am in New York," said Ben, his face brightening up.