"Yes; I couldn't stand it any longer. Home had become intolerable."

"Pardon the question, but hasn't your father got considerable property?"

"I have every reason to think so."

"Won't your leaving home give your step-mother and Peter the inside
track, and lead, perhaps, to your disinheritance?"

"I suppose so," answered Carl, wearily; "but no matter what happens, I
can't bear to stay at home any longer."

"You're badly fixed--that's a fact!" said Gilbert, in a tone of
sympathy. "What are your plans?"

"I don't know. I haven't had time to think."



CHAPTER II.

A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.


Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set about trying to form some plans
for Carl.

"It will be hard for you to support yourself," he said, after a pause;
"that is, without help."