t that he should receive some help from his father."

"That is true enough. For nearly all the doctor's money came to him
through Carl's mother."

"I am afraid Peter and his mother won't give me a very cordial welcome
after what has happened this morning. I wish I could see the doctor
alone."

"So you can, for there he is coming up the street."

Gilbert looked in the direction indicated, and his glance fell on a
thin, fragile-looking man, evidently an invalid, with a weak, undecided
face, who was slowly approaching.

The boy advanced to meet him, and, taking off his hat, asked politely:
"Is this Dr. Crawford?"

CHAPTER IV.

AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.

Dr. Crawford stopped short, and eyed Gilbert attentively.

"I don't know you," he said, in a querulous tone.

"I am a schoolmate of your son, Carl. My name is Gilbert Vance."

"If you have come to see my son you will be disappointed. He has treated
me in a shameful manner. He left home yesterday morning, and I don't
know where he is."

"I can tell you, sir. He is staying--for a day or two--at my father's
house."

"Where is that?" asked Dr. Crawford, his manner showing that he was
confused.

"In Warren, thirteen miles from here."

"I know the town. What induced him to go to your house? Have you
encouraged him to leave home?" inquired Dr. Crawford, with a look of
displeasure.

"No, sir. It was only by chance that I met him a mile from our home. I
induced him to stay overnight."

"Did you bring me any message from him?" "No, sir, except that he is
going to strike out for himself, as he thinks his home an unhappy one."

"That is his own fault. He has had enough to eat and enough to wear. He
has had as comfortable a home as yourself."

"I don't doubt that, but he complains that his stepmother is continually
finding fault with him, and scolding him."

"He provokes her to do it. He is a headstrong, obstinate boy."

"He never had that reputation at school, sir. We all liked him."

"I suppose you mean to imply that I am in fault?" said the doctor,
warmly.

"I don't think you know how badly Mrs. Crawford treats Carl, sir."

"Of course, of course. That is always said of a stepmother."

"Not always, sir. I have a stepmother myself, and no own mother could
treat me better."

"You are probably a better boy."

"I can't accept the compliment. I hope you'll excuse me saying it, Dr.
Crawford, but if my stepmother treated me as Carl says Mrs. Crawford