Chapter IV. An Important Conference - Page 2

he gets on his feet."

"I don't know," said Dr. Crawford, in a vacillating tone. "I don't think Mrs. Crawford would approve this."

"It seems to me you are the one to decide, as Carl is your own son. Peter must cost you a good deal more."

"Do you know Peter?"

"I have met him," answered Gilbert, with a slight smile.

"I don't know what to say. You may be right. Peter does cost me more."

"And Carl is entitled to be treated as well as he."

"I think I ought to speak to Mrs. Crawford about it. And, by the way, I nearly forgot to say that she charges Carl with taking money from her bureau drawer before he went away. It was a large sum, too--twenty-five dollars."

"That is false!" exclaimed Gilbert, indignantly. "I am surprised that you should believe such a thing of your own son."

"Mrs. Crawford says she has proof," said the doctor, hesitating.

"Then what has he done with the money? I know that he has but thirty-seven cents with him at this time, and he only left home yesterday. If the money has really been taken, I think I know who took it."

"Who?"

"Peter Cook. He looks mean enough for anything."

"What right have you to speak so of Peter?"

"Because I caught him stoning a cat this morning. He would have killed the poor thing if I had not interfered. I consider that worse than taking money."

"I--I don't know what to say. I can't agree to anything till I have spoken with Mrs. Crawford. Did you say that Carl had but thirty seven cents?"

"Yes, sir; I presume you don't want him to starve?"

"No, of course not. He is my son, though he has behaved badly. Here, give him that!" and Dr. Crawford drew a ten-dollar bill from his wallet, and handed it to Gilbert

"Thank you, sir. This money will be very useful. Besides, it will show Carl that his father is not wholly indifferent to him."

"Of course not. Who says that I am a bad father?" asked Dr. Crawford, peevishly.

"I don't think, sir, there would be any difficulty between you and Carl if you had not married again."

"Carl has no right to vex Mrs. Crawford. Besides, he can't agree with Peter."

"Is that his fault or Peter's?" asked Gilbert, significantly.

"I am not acquainted with the circumstances, but Mrs. Crawford says that Carl is always bullying Peter."

"He never bullied anyone at school."

"Is there anything, else you want?"

"Yes, sir; Carl only took away a little underclothing in a gripsack. He would like his woolen clothes put in his trunk, and to have it