"I am glad I came to St. Louis," he thought. "How much better I am situated than I should have been at home, tyrannized over by a step-mother by whom I was disliked."
Three months more passed, when one day a boy entered the store.
"Is Jasper Kent here?" he asked.
"Yes," said Jasper, coming forward, "that is my name."
"I have a telegram for you," said the boy. Jasper tore it open, and read these words:
"Come home at once. Your step-mother is dying.
"Otis Miller."
Shocked at this startling intelligence, Jasper at once sought his employer, obtained leave of absence, and took the next train bound east.
We must precede him and explain what had happened, and what occasioned Mrs. Kent's critical condition.