"Of course, of course," said the gentleman, hastily, answering Ben's words after a while. "Well, I think I can give you something to do. Do you write a fair hand?" "Yes, sir, pretty fair." "Come up stairs with me," said the gentleman, abruptly. "I am staying at this hotel." "Is it safe?" thought Ben; but the thought that he was a poor boy, and was little likely to attract the attention of adventurers, reassured him, and without hesitation he followed his new, and, as it appeared, rather eccentric acquaintance. They took the elevator and got out at the fourth landing. His new friend nodded, and Ben followed him along the hall. The gentleman drew a key from his pocket and opened the door of a room near at hand. "Come in," he said. The room was a double one, consisting of a parlor and bedchamber. There were two trunks in the bedroom. "Sit down," said the gentleman. Ben seated himself. "What is your name?" "Benjamin Baker." "I engage you as my private secretary." "Do you think I will suit?" asked Ben, considerably amazed. "You won't have much to do," was the answer. "You are also to pass for my nephew." "I wonder whether I am awake or dreaming," he asked himself. "I shall call you Philip Grafton," continued the stranger. "Why can't I keep my own name?" asked Ben, uneasily. "It is unnecessary to state. My secretary must be Philip Grafton," said the gentleman, firmly. "Don't you like the name?" "Yes, sir; it is a good name. Many would prefer it to mine, but I don't like to sail under false colors." "It is a whim of mine," said the gentleman, "but I don't think you will be sorry for acceding to it. Now, as to compensation, I propose to pay you fifty dollars a month and board--that is, of course, you will live with me." "Fifty dollars a month!" repeated Ben, opening his eyes in amazement. "Yes; isn't it satisfactory?" "I don't see how I can possibly earn fifty dollars a month." "That is my lookout. As long as I am satisfied, you needn't worry about that." "I am afraid you will be disappointed in me, sir." "I hope not. Do as I tell you, and I shall be satisfied." "When am I to go to work?" asked Ben. "You will enter upon your duties at once. I suppose you have no objection?" "Am I to live at the hotel with you, sir?" "Yes." "Then I will go and get my clothes." "Ah, yes; I didn't think of that. You won't need to get them." "Won't need to get my clothes?" repeated Ben in amazement. He began to think his employer was out of his head. "I have clothes for you here--in that trunk. This key fits it. Open it." Wondering much, Ben took the key, and, fitting it in the lock of the smaller trunk, lifted the lid. He found it full of shirts, under-garments, handkerchiefs, etc., of fine texture. "You will find underneath two suits of clothes," said his employer. "Take them out." Ben followed directions. "Now take off your own clothes--all of them--and dress yourself from the contents of the trunk."