"Here's a chance for me," he thought, hopefully. "I'll apply for the place. I can't be any more than refused." He entered. It was a store appropriated to "Gentlemen's Furnishing Goods." A tall young man, with his auburn hair parted in the middle, glanced at him languidly. "I see you want a boy," said Ben, plunging at once into business. "Humph! Are you the boy?" "I am a boy, and would like a place," answered Ben. The clerk picked his teeth languidly with a wooden toothpick which he had brought from the cheap restaurant where he had taken his breakfast. "Are you from the country?" "Yes, sir." "How long have you been in the city?" "I arrived yesterday." "Then you don't know your way round New York?" "No; but I would soon learn." "That wouldn't suit us. Besides, you don't live with your parents." "My father is dead; my mother lives in the country." "You won't suit us, then. However, you can go back and speak to Mr. Talbot. There he is, in the rear of the store." Ben had at first supposed that the young man with whom he was speaking was the proprietor. He did not dream that he was a clerk, working for nine dollars a week. He made application to Mr. Talbot, a middle-aged gentleman, not half so consequential as his clerk, but was asked essentially the same questions as before. "I am afraid I must refuse you," said Mr. Talbot, kindly. "We require a boy who is used to the city streets, and we prefer that he should live with his parents. I am sorry for your disappointment." "Thank you, sir," said Ben; but it was in rather a subdued tone. His prospects did not seem quite so good as a little while before. Coming out into the street, Ben saw quite a crowd of boys and young men, who were following a tall lady, just in advance, and showing signs of amusement. It only took a glance to discover the cause of their mirth. The lady wore a sack, evidently just purchased, on which was a card, bearing in large, distinct characters, the words: "CHEAP FOR CASH." This it was that had excited the amusement of the crowd. Ben was also amused, but he sympathized with the lady; and, stepping forward promptly, touched her on the arm. She looked back in surprise, and then for the first time became aware of the crowd that was following her. She was a lady probably nearing forty, and had a shrewd, kindly look. "What does it all mean?" she asked. "There is something on your sack, madam. Allow me to remove it." And Ben plucked off the ticket, which he handed to the lady. "I am not surprised at the amusement of the boys," said the lady, smiling. "The ticket should have been removed. I am very much obliged to you, my young friend." "You are quite welcome," said Ben, bowing and falling back. The lady smiled, and passed on. She would have remained had she known that by his act of kindness her young acquaintance had involved himself in trouble.