"I think he is going to ruin rapidly," answered Ben. "You are right. The grub has become a butterfly, and the sober clerk has developed into a gay spendthrift. He was your uncle's clerk and distant relative. It would make the old man turn in his coffin if he knew how quickly his money is likely to melt away." "Can't you check him?" asked Ben. "For twelve months I can. After that I am powerless. I wish he were more like you." "Thank you," said Ben, surprised at the compliment. "My bark is worse that my bite," said the lawyer. "About this claim against your aunt I will do what I can for you, but try to find the letter you refer to. The sum is a small one." "It is large to us." "Just so; but my client would squander it in a week. Let me hear from you after you have returned and instituted a further search." "Thank you, sir, I will write." Ben left the office, judging Mr. Brief more favorably than at first. With John Tremlett, he was disgusted. Chapter XXXVI A Surprising Discovery "I suppose I have done all I can," said Ben to himself. "There will be no object in remaining in Montreal any longer." He immediately purchased a ticket, and took the next train homeward. He arrived in Boston at mid-day. He went at once to the store, and was cordially welcomed by the bookkeeper. "I am glad to see you, Ben," said the young man. "My uncle is well pleased with the orders you have sent home." "Then he is satisfied with me?" "I leave him to tell you that. You can go at once into the countingroom." Ben reported himself as directed. "Welcome back, Ben," said the old gentleman. "Have you just arrived?" "I reached the station twenty minuets ago, sir." "And came directly to the store; I like that. How do you like drumming?" "It requires patience, sir; but I like it. I hope you are satisfied with me." "You have exceeded my anticipations. To be candid with you, I doubted the expedience of sending so young a representative." "I know that, sir, and it made me work harder." "I should have no hesitation in sending you again. In fact, I shall probably send you next month to New York and Philadelphia." "I should like that very much, sir," said Ben, his eyes sparkling. "I shall try to satisfy you." "I think you will," said his employer kindly. "I never doubted your fidelity. Now I feel assured of your capacity and tact. Have you any orders not yet reported?" "Two or three small ones, sir." "Give them to me." This done, Mr. Porter dismissed Ben for the day. "You need not report for work till to-morrow morning." Ben was glad to go to his boarding-house. On arriving there he received another cordial greeting, this time from Mr. Benton. The old gentleman seemed really delighted to see him, and eager to learn what he had accomplished. Ben began to speak of the orders he had received; but Mr. Benton interrupted him.