"There, I told you, mother, you need not be alarmed. He says he is earning his living."
"But it seems so hard for a boy of ten to have to work for his living. What can he do?"
"Oh, there are various things he can do. He might sell papers, for instance."
"I think I shall go to Philadelphia to-morrow, Mary."
"It won't be of any use, you may depend, mother. He is not in Philadelphia."
"But this letter is posted there."
"That is a proof to me that he is not there. He says he don't want to come back."
Shortly after, Mr. Brandon entered the house.
"We have had a letter from Ben, father," said Mary.
"Show it to me," he said, briefly.