When they reached the boarding-house on Warren Avenue the old man appeared pleased with the vacant room. He haggled a little about the terms, but finally agreed to take it at the price set by Mrs. Draper. He gave his name as Marcus Benton, and too immediate possession. Chapter XXXIII Ben Receives a Commission In due time a letter came from Montreal. It was brief and not overcourteous. From it Ben learned that Mr. Baldwin had been dead for three weeks, and that all his property was left to a young man who claimed to be a distant relative. The name of the heir was John Tremlett. The letter concluded: "I can find nothing in the papers of the deceased confirming your statement that your aunt was allowed to occupy her house rent free. If you hold any proof of your assertions, you may forward it. Otherwise Mr. Tremlett will insist upon his claim." This letter reached Ben on a Friday. It naturally caused him anxiety. He obtained permission to go to Milltown Saturday afternoon and spend Sunday. He desired himself to institute a search for the letter of which his aunt had spoken. His aunt received him in tearful despondency. "Oh, what shall we do, Benjamin?" said the widow. "First, we must search for that letter of Uncle Matthew's." "I know I'm to blame, Benjamin. I have brought ruin upon you and my poor, innocent Tony." "You haven't ruined me, so you need not trouble yourself about that. Even if the letter cannot be found, I guess we shall live through it." They hunted high and low; but the letter was not to be found. Ben was a good deal disappointed, but did not venture to say so, not wishing to increase his aunt's despondency. On Monday morning he went back to Boston, and told the bookkeeper. "It seems quite desirable that you should go to Montreal, Ben," said young Porter. "Of course that is out of the question, Mr. Porter." "No; I think it can be managed." Ben looked, as he felt, not a little surprised. "It is some time," explained the bookkeeper, "since we sent an agent to Montreal. We have been thinking of sending some one up there, stopping at the principal towns on the way. You are rather young, but if I recommend you I presume my uncle will let you go." Of course Mr. Porter, senior, had to be consulted. Though not a little doubtful about the expediency of sending so young a representative of the house, he finally gave his consent, which was communicated to Ben. Ben was summoned to the countingroom, and received his instructions, with a sum of money for expenses. At three o'clock in the afternoon he was dismissed, though he was not to start till the next morning. Old Mr. Benton's door was open when Ben returned. "What brings you home so soon?" he inquired. "I am going to Montreal," said Ben. "Come in and tell me about it."