"But in the prison he met men who knew about her of old. My father was not the first she had been the means of landing in jail. It was then my father began to be afraid for me, and managed to send me word.
"He died in April. Mrs. Mansfield immediately took me out of school. She told me my father was dead, and that it was time I went to work. I think she must have learned by her spies that I had been to see my father, for she no longer took the trouble to put on a good face. Now it was, do this or that or it will be the worse for you. When I saw how all the other men gave in to her, I was afraid to resist. I hated her, but what could I do? I had no one to go to. I had no experience. I wasn't sure of myself. The understanding up there is that Lorina could reach you wherever you went. And if you did anything to cross her, look out! She has spies everywhere!"
"I wonder why she didn't turn you adrift altogether?" I said.
"I think I am useful to them because I look honest," the boy said wretchedly. "I run errands for them, but I never know what it's all about."
"Have you ever heard talk up there of a boss greater than Mrs. Mansfield?" I asked.
He nodded. "But only vague talk. I've never seen him."
"Does she have you watched?" I asked.
"No. She thinks she has me where she wants me. But if she suspected anything——"
"You mustn't come here again," I said.
His face fell absurdly.