"I have been told to-day that he was living only a year since."
"Who told you?"
"Phineas Wilson, the farmer's son."
"Did he see him a year ago?"
"Yes, in some town in Canada—near Toronto, I believe. But, mother, you don't seem surprised."
"No, Bert, for I knew your father was living."
"Then why don't he come home. Why don't he live with us? Is there some mystery?"
"Yes, Bert, and a painful one for your unfortunate father. It is the fear of a prison that has kept him away from home."
"Surely, mother," said Bert, painfully shocked, "my father was not a criminal?"
"No, but circumstances made him appear such."