"I have no doubt of it. It must be hard for her to be so reduced after once living liberally. How happened it that your father failed?"
The boy's pleasant face assumed a stern expression.
"On account of a rascal, sir. His book-keeper ran off, carrying with him thirty thousand dollars. Father couldn't meet his bills, and so he failed. It broke his heart, and he didn't live six months after it."
"Have you ever heard of this book-keeper since?"
"No, sir, not a word. I wish I could. I should like to see him dragged to prison, for he killed my father, and made my mother work for a living."
"I can't blame you, Dan, for feeling as you do. Besides, it has altered your prospects."
"I don't care for myself, sir. I can forget that. But I can't forgive the injury he has done my poor father and mother."
"Have you any idea what became of the defaulter?"
"We think that he went to Europe, just at first, but probably he returned when he thought all was safe."
"He may have gone out West."