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."