"Were they any relations of yours?"
"No, but they were very kind to me."
"Come along, Jed! There's the steamboat just leaving the pier!" called Chester impatiently.
Without waiting to be further questioned Jed answered the call of his young charge. He was glad to get away, for he felt that the spinster might ask him some questions which he would find it difficult to answer.
CHAPTER XVII. JED MEETS AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
Jed was not long in finding that Chester's aunt looked upon him, if not with hostility, at least with distrust. This was an unpleasant discovery. Mr. Holbrook had always appeared to have confidence in him, and approved his management of his son.
While Chester and Jed were walking on the beach Miss Holbrook took a seat upon the bluff and watched them through her spectacles, as Jed could not help seeing.
"I say, Jed," asked the little boy, "how do you like Aunt Maria?"