When the letter was written, Ben went across to the post-office, and bought a three-cent stamp, which he placed on the envelope. Then, learning that there was an evening train for Philadelphia, he went down to the Cortlandt Street Ferry, and watched till he saw a gentleman, who had the air of a traveller. Ben stepped up to him and inquired, "Are you going to Philadelphia, sir?" "Yes, my lad," was the answer; "are you going there also?" "No, sir." "I thought you might want somebody to take charge of you. Is there anything I can do for you?" "Yes, sir. If you would be so kind as to post this letter in Philadelphia." "I will do so; but why don't you post it in New York? It will go just as well." "The person who wrote it," said Ben, "doesn't want to have it known where it came from." "Very well, give it to me, and I will see that it is properly mailed." The gentleman took the letter, and Ben felt glad that it was written. He thought it would relieve his mother's anxiety. As he was standing on the pier, a gentleman having a carpet-bag in one hand, and a bundle of books in the other, accosted him. "Can you direct me to the Astor House, boy?" "Yes, sir," said Ben. Then, with a sudden thought, he added, "Shall I carry your carpet-bag, sir?" "On the whole I think you may," said the gentleman. "Or stay, I think you may take this parcel of books." "I can carry both, sir." "No matter about that. I will carry the bag, and you shall be my guide." Ben had not yet had time to get very well acquainted with the city; but the Astor House, which is situated nearly opposite the lower end of the City Hall Park, he had passed a dozen times, and knew the way to it very well. He was glad that the gentleman wished to go there, and not to one of the up-town hotels, of which he knew nothing. He went straight up Cortlandt Street to Broadway, and then turning north, soon arrived at the massive structure, which, for over thirty years, has welcomed travellers from all parts of the world. "This is the Astor House, sir," said Ben. "I remember it now," said the gentleman; "but it is ten years since I have been in New York, and I did not feel quite certain of finding my way. Do you live in New York?" "Yes, sir." "You may give me the package now. How much shall I pay you for your services?" "Whatever you please, sir," said Ben. "Will that answer?" and the traveller placed twenty-five cents in the hands of our young hero. "Yes, sir," said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. "Thank you." The traveller entered the hotel, and Ben remained outside, congratulating himself upon his good luck. "That's an easy way to earn twenty five cents," he thought. "It didn't take me more than fifteen minutes to come up from the ferry, and I should have to sell twenty-five papers to make so much."