Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/421

 result was that when he wished to change his school I refused to consent. I was not particularly pleased with his standing in school and scolded him a bit too severely, I fear. At last I was foolish enough to tell him he was dependent on me and could not earn his salt if cast upon the world. We were in New York at the time. He replied that he could, if allowed the opportunity like other boys. I laughed at him.

“In the morning he was gone. I smiled, thinking he was sulking at the home of some friend. As several days went by I made inquiries. Then I became alarmed. I hired detectives and quietly instituted a search of the whole country; only, I never dreamed of his being up in Maine. I knew he had talked of going to Mexico some time and feared that he was down there. The unsettled condition of the country added to my alarm, and it was in the Southwest that we-searched the closest.

“Now by accident I find him up here—manly and capable to earn his own way. My friends, you have no idea of my gratification in learning that he has fought his way without asking for help on the strength of his name. He knew that he could draw on me for any amount at