"Yes; I have lived in Sheldon for the last ten years. I came from Ohio originally. It was there that your father met my cousin Fanny, and married her. Do you live with your Uncle Aaron?"
"I have been living with him," answered Sam, hesitating.
"Does that mean that you have left him?" asked Mr. Granger, quickly.
Sam looked inquiringly at Bob. He hardly knew whether it would be advisable for him to take this stranger, relation though he were, into his confidence.
Bob answered his unspoken inquiry.
"Tell him all, Sam," he said.
"I have left my Uncle Aaron," said Sam, "without his consent. I hid on board Bob's boat, and got away."
"You have run away, then?"
"Yes, sir; you may blame me for doing so, but you would not if you knew how meanly Uncle Aaron has treated me!"
"I know Aaron Wolverton, and I am far from admiring him," said Robert Granger. "But in what way has he ill-treated you?"