"No; he is in Chicago for a week or ten days."
"And is there no one except you to take care of the boy?"
"There is an aunt of Chester's in the hotel—his father's sister. There she is now!" and Jed pointed out Miss Maria Holbrook.
Percy noticed her attentively, and was observed in turn by the spinster, who privately resolved to seek some information about Jed from one who appeared to know him.
After dinner, while on the piazza, Miss Holbrook noticed Percy sitting but a few feet distant.
"Ahem!" she began. "Young man, will you do me the favor to move your chair a little nearer?"
Percy did so gladly. He wished for a chance to become acquainted with Jed's employers.
"Thank you. May I ask your name?"
"Percy Dixon."
"I noticed that you seemed to be acquainted with the boy who is in charge of my young nephew Chester."