Page:Harry Castlemon - The Steel Horse.djvu/64

 and friends without a cause. At least they didn't the first time I was on earth."

"Well, this foolish fellow will do it every chance he gets, because he is determined to find his father. His uncle always tried to make him believe that his parents were both dead; but some gossip or another had to go and tell him different, and the old man hasn't seen a days's peace of mind since. He lives in constant fear that the boy will give him the slip. This is the second time he has tried it, and some day he'll get off. Then there will be a time, I tell you."

"Why doesn't his uncle tell him where his father is, and let him go and see him?"

"Oh, that would never do. Don't you know that the money goes with the boy? His father isn't fit to handle it, for he is a worthless scamp who would squander the last dime of it in less than no time. The law gave him to his uncle, who is also his guardian, and he intends to hold fast to him."

"And the money, too, I suppose. Well, all I have to say is, that if I were in that boy's place my uncle would have to keep a double