“How was that?”

Ben explained.

“Then you had to go clear to the junction?”

“Or jump off,” smiled Ben.

“H’m—cost you fifteen cents, then?”

[Pg 25]

[Pg 25]

“No, sir, a quarter. You see there’s an extra ten cents when you do not buy your ticket in advance.”

“H’m!” again commented the manufacturer. “You ought to get back that rebate. Here, Smith,” to the bookkeeper, “give Hardy twenty-five cents.”

“Oh, no,” dissented Ben, and Saxton brightened up magically. “Mr. Davis insisted on giving me five dollars.”

“He did, eh?” spoke Jasper Saxton thoughtfully.

“Yes, sir. He was very glad to get the machine part, and insisted on paying me for what he called my trouble.”

“Very good. Glad. That is—h’m—you see—quite right, Hardy.”

At first Ben fancied that Jasper Saxton was going to suggest that he divide up the five dollars with the company. However, Mr. Saxton dismissed him with a wave of the hand and Ben went in search of his father.

He recited his recent experience, showed him the five-dollar bill with some pride in his face, and told his father he would wait till quitting time and go home with him.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to change that programme, Ben,” advised Mr. Hardy.

“How is that, father?”

“Mr. Saxton wants the engine overhauled and that shaft reset, and I will have to put in a few[Pg 26] hours extra time, so I shall not go home till later.”

[Pg 26]

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