"I have a step-father," he said briefly.
"I understand. You and he don't hitch horses. Is that so?"
"You are right."
"Tell me all about it."
"I will. I should like to ask somebody's advice. I want to know whether I have done right."
"Go ahead, my lad."
Robert told the story, and the miner listened attentively.
"Do you know what I think of that step-father of yours?"
"Tell me."
"I think he is about as mean a skunk as I ever heard mentioned. What made your mother marry him?"