"Alger Jr, Horatio - The Young Explorer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alger Horatio Jr)

"Has he got a chance to black boots?" asked Sam, with a sneer.
"He's stayin' at the Astor House," said Job, enjoying Sam's surprise.
"Staying at the Astor House!" exclaimed the young aristocrat in astonishment.
"Why, that is a tip-top hotel."
"I always heerd it was," returned Job. "How can he afford to stay there?" "He
didn't say."
"Oh, I understand," said Sam, with an air of relief. "He's got a place to black
boots, or clean knives. That must be the way of it."
"I don't think it is, for he has engaged passage to Californy."
"Is that so? When does he sail?"
"On Saturday. We're goin' to send him his clothes. Do you want to send him any
word or message?"
"No; why should I?"
"I thought you was one of his friends."
"Yes, I will send him a message," said Sam. "Just tell him that when he has
spent all his money, I'll give him the place I offered him before he left
Hampton."
"You're very kind," said Job, concealing his amusement; "but I don't think Ben
will need to take up with your offer."
"I think he will," said Sam.
"I wonder whether Ben is really staying at the Astor House, and paying his
expenses there," he said to himself. "If he is, he's a fool. I've a great mind
to ask father if I may go up to New York, and see. Maybe he's only humbugging
his uncle."
So when Sam got home he preferred a request to visit New York, and obtained
permission.
We now return to the Astor House.
Miss Sinclair and Ben went in to supper together. The young lady had scarcely
taken her place, and looked around her, when she started, and turned pale.
"Ben," she said hurriedly, "I must leave the table. Do you see that tall man
sitting by the window?"
"Yes, Cousin Ida."
"It is my guardian. He has not seen me yet, but I must be cautious. Direct a
servant to bring me some supper in my room, and come up there yourself when you
are through."
"All right!"
Miss Sinclair left the room, but Ben maintained his place. He took particular
notice of the gentleman who had been pointed out to him. He was a tall, slender
man, with iron-gray hair, and a stern, unpleasant look. Ben judged that her
guardian had not seen Miss Sinclair, for he seemed wholly intent upon his
supper.
"I don't wonder she wanted to run away from him," thought our hero. Ben smiled
as it flashed upon him that this young lady was running away with him.
"I didn't expect, when I left home, to meet with any such adventure as this," he
said to himself. "But I do mean to help Miss Sinclair all I possibly can. It
doesn't seem quite natural to call her Ida, but I will do as she wants me to."
Meanwhile Mr. Campbell had made inquiries at the office if a young lady from
Albany was staying at the hotel.
"No," said the clerk.
It will be remembered that Miss Sinclair had registered from Philadelphia, or,