“Your uncle!” exclaimed Chester, in surprise.

“Yes, I am his sister’s son. My name is Walter Bruce.”

“Then I should think your uncle’s house was the place for you.”

“I have no money to pay for a bed.”

“But, if you are a relation——”

“That makes no difference to Silas Tripp. He has no love for poor relations. You don’t know him very well.”

“I ought to, for I have worked for him in the store for a year.”

“I didn’t see you in there this evening.”

“I left him last Saturday evening. There is another boy there now.”

“Why did you leave him?”