The stranger brightened up.
"They live in the village—in a small four-room house not far from the post-office."
"Thank you," and the visitor took out a note-book and wrote something in it. He stood a moment silent, and then said, in a hesitating tone, "Is there a boy in the institution named Jed Gilman?"
Instantly the face of Mrs. Fogson expressed surprise and curiosity.
"There was!" she answered, "but he's run away."
"Run away!" ejaculated the stranger, looking disappointed.
"Yes; he was a bad, rebellious boy. Me and Fogson couldn't do anything with him."
"It is very sad," said the visitor with a dubious smile.
"Do you want to see him particular?" asked Mrs. Fogson.