"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. I shall take the liberty of interfering."

Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.

"I hit her, Simon," he said. "Doesn't she look seared?"