Certainly Ben's black felt hat did not look much in keeping with the faded calico dress, now properly filled out by the hoop-skirt, which swayed from side to side as he walked.
"Oh, it's too rich!" thought Sam, almost choking with suppressed laughter. "What a sensation he will make in the village!"
Just then Ben's foot got caught somehow, and he fell sprawling. He gathered himself up with furious energy, and did not observe that there was a conspicuous stain of mud on his dress. He took a roundabout way, so as to remain under cover of the woods as long as he could.
"I must meet Ben, and enjoy his discomfort," thought Sam.
He scrambled down from the tree, and cautiously made a short cut for the road, unseen by Ben. He posted himself at a place where Ben must emerge. He walked along, apparently absorbed in thought, till he came face to face with Ben, who, very much ashamed of his appearance, was walking as fast as his embarrassing clothing would allow.
"Good gracious, Ben Brayton!" he exclaimed, in affected amazement. "Why, what possesses you to go round in this style?"
"No choice of mine. I couldn't help it," said Ben, ruefully. "I went in swimming. Some scamp stole my clothes, and left these traps in their place."
"Well, upon my word, Ben, really you do cut the queerest figure I ever saw!" said Sam, giving vent to his pent-up mirth.
"I don't see anything to laugh at," said Ben, in a most aggrieved tone.
"You would if you could only see yourself," said Sam,--and he burst out with laughter again.
"Do you mean to insult me?" said Ben, wrathfully.
"Excuse me, Ben; but really I can't help it. See, there's Miss Clark coming. If she don't laugh I'll forfeit a dollar."
Miss Clark was one of the prettiest young ladies in the village, and to be seen by her was most humiliating. But there was no dodging it. She met Ben face to face, and, as might be expected, was moved to merriment.
"Good-morning, Miss Clark," said Ben, sheepishly.
The young lady tried to say good-morning, but only burst into a fresh fit of mirth as she passed along, Sam joining her a few moments afterwards.
Ben walked on very much discomposed. He was still half a mile from home, and it was very probable that he would meet others.