I was not fortunate there, and
was barely able, after a year, to get home. I
found that my wife had procured a divorce,
and appropriated the little money I had left.
Where she had gone, or where she had conveyed
our son, I could not learn. You say
you know where she is."
"I do."
"Will you tell me?"
"Mr. Cook," said Carl, after a pause for
reflection, "I will tell you, but not just at present.
I am on my way to Chicago on business.
On my return I will stop here, and take you
with me to the present home of your former
wife. You will understand my interest in the
matter when I tell you that she is now married
to a relative of my own."
"I pity him whoever he is," said Cook.
"Yes, I think he is to be pitied," said Carl,
gravely; "but the revelation you will be able
to make will enable him to insist upon a separation."
"The best thing he can do! How long before
you return to Albany?"
"A week or ten days."
"I don't know how I am to live in the meantime,"
said Cook, anxiously. "I am penniless,
but for the money you have just given me."
"At what price can you obtain board?"
"I know of a decent house where I can obtain board
and a small room for five dollars a week."
"Here are twelve dollars. This will pay for
two weeks' board, and give you a small sum besides.
What is the address?"
Cook mentioned a number on a street by the river.
Carl took it down in a notebook with which
he had provided himself.
"When I return to Albany," he said, "I will
call there at once.
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