"Gilbert," said Carl, as they were preparing
for tea, "you have a charming home."
"You have a nice house, too, Carl."
"True; but it isn't a home--to me.
There is no love there."
"That makes a great difference."
"If I had a father and mother like yours
I should be happy."
"You must stay here till day after tomorrow,
and I will devote to-morrow to a visit in
your interest to your home. I will beard the
lion in his den--that is, your stepmother.
Do you consent?"
"Yes, I consent; but it won't do any good."
"We will see."
CHAPTER III.
INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
Gilbert took the morning train to the town
of Edgewood Center, the residence of the Crawfords.
He had been there before, and knew
that Carl's home was nearly a mile distant
from the station. Though there was a hack
in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would
give him a chance to think over what he proposed
to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl's behalf.
He was within a quarter of a mile of his
destination when his attention was drawn to a
boy of about his own age, who was amusing
himself and a smaller companion by firing
stones at a cat that had taken refuge in a tree.
Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect,
and the poor cat moaned in affright, but did
not dare to come down from her perch, as this
would put her in the power of her assailant.
"That must be Carl's stepbrother, Peter,"
Gilbert decided, as he noted the boy's mean
face and turn-up nose. "Stoning cats seems
to be his idea of amusement.
Pages:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28