much under the influence of his wife, who seems to have a spite against
Carl, and is devoted to that young cub to whom you have given a lesson.
Does Carl want to come back?"

"No; he wants to strike out for himself, but I told him it was no more
than right 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.