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

gentleman of that name."
"He said you might not remember it; but he thought he could recall it to your
recollection in a personal interview."
"I don't want a personal interview with any gentleman."
"Not with your guardian?" asked Ben, smiling.
"Was the man who handed you this card my guardian?"
"Yes; he tried to find out all he could from me; but wasn't very successful.
Then he said he thought he knew you, and handed me this card."
"So he thinks to delude me by masquerading under a false name! He must suspect
that I am his ward."
"Of course you won't see him?"
"No."
"What shall I say?"
"That I don't remember the name, and decline to see him."
"Won't that increase his suspicions?"
"I can't help it."
"Very well."
Ben went below; but thought he might as well put off the interview. It was not
till afternoon that Mr. Campbell met him again.
"Did you deliver my card, boy?" he asked.
"My name is Benjamin," returned our hero, who did not fancy the manner of
address.
"Very well. Did you deliver my card, Benjamin?"
"Yes, sir."
"What did your cousin say?"
"That she knew no gentleman or family of your name."
"I did not expect she would remember; but I have reasons for asking an
interview."
"You mustn't be offended, sir; but she declines to meet a stranger."
Mr. Campbell was baffled.
"She mistakes my motive," he said, in a tone expressive of annoyance. "How long
do you stay here?"
"I can't say, sir," said Ben coldly.
Mr. Campbell bit his lip and walked away. He did not fancy being foiled by a
boy. It occurred to him, however, that by waiting patiently he might see the
young lady at dinner. He kept watch, therefore, till he saw Ben entering the
dining-room, and then, entering himself, secured a seat near-by. But the young
lady, greatly to his chagrin, did not appear. Ben observed his vigilant watch,
and after dinner reported to Miss Sinclair.
The young lady smiled.
"I have thought of a way to deceive him and quiet his suspicions," she said.
Ben looked curious.
"If I remain away from the table he will feel sure that I am his ward."
"Yes, I suppose so."
"Listen to my plan, then. I have the New York Herald here, with half a column of
advertisements of seamtresses. I will give you a list of three, and you shall
engage one to be here early to-morrow morning. Select one with a figure as much
like mine as possible."
"All right!"
"I see you look puzzled," said Miss Sinclair, smiling.