"I am sure I can't imagine," answered the squire, with a shade of uneasiness. He feared that Dean might have been speaking out his suspicions in relation to the robbery of his uncle.
"He says his uncle has consented to let him leave home if a good job offers. He wants to go out into the world to seek his fortune."
"It might not be a bad idea," said Bates.
"I don't think he'd meet with any success," said Brandon, sharply. "He thinks he is awful smart, and would come home with a fortune in six months."
"Boys are apt to be sanguine," said his father, smiling.
"Would you be willing to have me leave home to seek my fortune?"
"No; but your case is different. Dean's uncle is a poor man."
"I suppose he could black boots for a living in some large place."
"Well, bootblacks sometimes make very good pay."
"You seem to be in favor of Dean's going away, papa?"