Besides, I have no lack of money."
"Shall I go with you to the hotel now?"
"Yes."
"May I speak a moment to the boy who was with me?"
"Certainly."
"May I tell him where I am going?"
"Yes, but ask him to keep it to himself."
"I will, Miss Sinclair," and Ben was about to walk away.
"On the whole, call the boy here," said Miss Sinclair. "Tom!" Tom
Cooper answered the summons.
"I am going to California with this lady," said Ben. "She has paid
my passage."
"You're in luck!" exclaimed Tom. "Say, miss, you don't want a boy to
go along to black your boots, do you?"
Miss Sinclair smiled faintly.
"I think not," she answered.
"Tom," continued Ben, "you won't say a word about my going, will
you?"
"Not if you don't want me to. Besides, there ain't nobody to tell."
Miss Sinclair looked relieved. She drew out her pocketbook, and took
from it a ten-dollar bill.
"What is your name?" she asked.
"Tom Cooper, ma'am."
"Then, Tom, allow me to offer you a small present."
"Is it all for me?" exclaimed Tom, in amazement.
"Yes."
Tom thrust it into his vest pocket, and immediately executed a
somersault, rather to Miss Sinclair's alarm.
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