“I suppose not. Where have you been since Thompson died?”

“I lived with a farmer named Joel Carrow.”

“What are you doing now?”

“Answering questions,” returned the youth, with a faint smile.

“I want none of your jokes,” growled Barker. “Do you work for a living?”

“I expect to, just as soon as I can get a job.”

“Are you on the road?”

“I’m walking to Stampton, if that’s what you mean.”

“Humph!”

“How did you fall in with Landes?” put in James Casco.