"By the way, just mention my name to the major--James Bolton, of London. I dare say he will remember me. Just say that I occupied the room opposite his in the Hotel des Bergues, in Geneva, and that we went to Chamounix together. I should be glad to renew my acquaintance with him, whenever he feels well enough to come on deck." "I will mention you to him, Mr. Bolton," said Ben, politely. Our young hero took an early opportunity of keeping his promise. On his next visit to the state-room he said: "Major Grafton, I met a gentleman on deck this morning who wishes to be remembered to you." "Who is it?" asked the major, quickly, raising his head from the pillow of his berth. "He says his name is Bolton--James Bolton, of London." "Don't know him!" said the major, shortly. "He says that he was with you at the Hotel des Bergues, in Geneva, Switzerland, last summer; also that he went with you to Chamounix." "What else did he say?" asked the major, who seemed unpleasantly affected by the mention of Bolton's name. "He thought I was with you at the time." "Ha! What did you say?" "I told him he was mistaken." "Don't tell these fellows too much; they are simply impertinent," said the major, with a frown. "What more did he say?" "He said you had a boy with you whom you called Philip, and that this boy, as he afterward heard, died at Florence." Ben looked inquiringly at the major, as if to obtain confirmation or denial of this story. Major Grafton hesitated, as if not decided what to say. "It is true," he said, after a pause. "Poor Philip died; but it is a painful subject. I don't like to speak of it. You resemble him very closely, and that was my chief object in taking you as a companion. I don't really need a private secretary, as you have probably found out." "I wish you did, sir. I would like to do something to earn my wages." "Don't trouble yourself on that score. It suits me to have a companion; I hate being alone. As long as you conform to my wishes, I will provide for you." "Thank you, sir." "But hark you, Philip! I don't care to have you talk too much to strangers about me or my affairs. Now, as to this man Bolton, I prefer that you should keep him at a distance. He is not a fit companion for you." "Is he a bad man?" asked Ben, in some surprise, for Bolton had seemed to him a very respectable sort of man. "He is a thoroughly unprincipled man," answered the major, emphatically. "He is a confirmed gambler, and is cultivating your society because he thinks you may have money. He is trying to lead you into a snare." "Then I was deceived in him," said Ben, indignantly, for it didn't occur to him to doubt the positive statement of Major Grafton. "Quite natural, Philip," said Grafton, pleased with having aroused the boy's suspicions of a man who might impart dangerous information. "Of course, I needn't suggest to you to keep the man at a distance. I do not care to have you come under his influence."