He could think of no other reason for the direction given by the other. However, Ben's pride was not very much hurt. Although he was ragged now, he did not mean to be long. The time would come, he was confident, when he could lay aside his rags, and appear in a respectable dress. The valise which he carried proved to be considerably heavier than would have been imagined from its size. "I wonder what's in it," thought Ben, who found it tugging away at his arms. "If it's shirts they're cast-iron. Maybe they're just comin' in fashion." However, he did not perplex himself much about this point. Beyond a momentary curiosity, he felt no particular interest in the contents of the valise. The way in which it affected him principally was, to make him inwardly resolve to ask an extra price, on account of the extra weight. After walking a while he looked back for the owner of the valise. But he was not in sight. "I might carry off his baggage," thought Ben, "without his knowin' it." He kept on, however, never doubting that the owner would sooner or later overtake him. If he did not care enough for the valise to do this, Ben would not be responsible. He had just shifted the heavy burden from one hand to the other, when he felt himself tapped on the shoulder. Looking round, he saw that the one who had done this was a quiet-looking man, of middle size, but with a keen, sharp eye. "What's wanted?" asked Ben. "Where did you get that valise, my lad?" asked the new-comer. "I don't know as that's any of your business," answered Ben, who didn't perceive the other's right to ask the question. "Is it yours?" "Maybe it is." "Let me lift it a moment." "Hands off!" said Ben, suspiciously. "Don't try none of your tricks on me." The other did not appear to notice this. "I take it for granted that the valise is not yours," he said. "Now tell me where you got it from." There was something of authority in his manner, which led Ben to think that he had a warrant for asking the question, though he could not guess his object in doing so. "I'm a baggage-smasher," answered Ben. "I got this from a man that came by the Philadelphia train." "Where is he?" "I guess he's behind somewheres." "Where are you carrying the valise?" "Seems to me you want to know a good deal," said Ben, undecided as to the right of the other to ask so many questions. "I'll let you into a secret, my lad; but you must keep the secret. That valise is pretty heavy, isn't it?" "I'll bet it is." "To the best of my information, the man who employed you is a noted burglar, and this valise contains his tools. I am a detective, and am on his track. I received a telegram an hour ago from Philadelphia, informing me that he was on his way. I got down to the wharf a little too late. Now tell me where you are to carry this;" and the detective pointed to the valise. "I am to meet the gentleman at the corner of Broome Street and the Bowery," said Ben. "Very well. Go ahead and meet him."