It was in the town of Indiana, at the same time during which the counterfeiting game was in operation, that there occurred an incident which serves to illustrate Hogan's readiness to help those in distress. One of those financial sharks who manage to keep within the letter of the law and at the same time to swindle everybody who has dealings with them, held a mortgage on a poor man's house. The hard times had made it impossible for the man in question to meet the demands of the mortgage-holder, and the latter had therefore entered a foreclosure. This left the man homeless, and without a dollar in the world with which to support his family. In some way the facts of the case came to Ben's knowledge, and he resolved to save the unfortunate man's property. With his accustomed shrewdness, he hit upon a plan which completely outwitted the money-sharper. The mortgage upon the property amounted, with interest, to three thousand dollars. It was generally believed that the property at that dull time would not bring much more than enough to satisfy this claim. Of course it was for the interest of the holder of the mortgage to get as much for the property as he could. Ben had it circulated about the town that he was a real estate dealer from New York, who had come on to Indiana to buy up all the land that he could get hold of. His confederate, George, who was with him at that time, went to the broker who held the mortgage, and told him that this New York agent would pay any sum for the property which was about to be sold. George advised the broker to bid against Ben, so as to run the figure up as high as possible. In his greed to get all that he could, the broker straightway fell into this trap. [Illustration: _THE FORECLOSURE SALE IN INDIANA, PA._] When the day of the sale arrived, a goodly number of people assembled, some to bid, but more to look on. The broker was on hand early, with George at his side, who professed to be most loyal to his new friend. Ben, also, was there, with the man who had given the mortgage. The auctioneer mounted his box and the sale began. "What am I offered for this property, gentlemen? You all know what it is worth, and the circumstances under which it is sold. What do I hear to start it?" "Five hundred dollars!" said Ben. "Five hundred and ten!" said the broker. "Fifteen hundred!" continued Ben. The broker was cautious in all his bids, and raised this last amount only ten dollars. "Three thousand dollars!" exclaimed Hogan. "Three thousand and ten!" exclaimed the broker. "Four thousand!" cried Ben. At this point the auctioneer had to dwell some time. The broker began to get a little nervous, but George was on hand to spur him on. "Why, man alive," said the latter, "don't be a bit afraid; this New Yorker will give ten thousand dollars rather than not get it. I heard him say so, myself. Raise him again!" "Four thousand and ten!" said the broker at last.