"Dr. Redmond," said Jed after a pause, "do you think it would be wrong for me to run away from the poorhouse?"
"Have you any such intention?" asked the doctor quickly.
"Yes; I think I can earn my own living, and a better living than I have there. I am young and strong, and I am not afraid to try."
"As to that, Jed, I don't see why there should be any objection to your making the attempt. The town of Scranton ought not to object to lessening the number it is required to support."
"Mr. and Mrs. Fogson would object. They would miss my work."
"Have you ever spoken to them on the subject?"
"I did one day, and they said I would have to stay till I was twenty-one."
"That is not true."
"I don't think I could stay that long," said Jed soberly. "I should be dead before that time if I had to live with Mr. and Mrs. Fogson, and fared no better. Besides, you see how I am dressed. I should think you would be ashamed to have me at your table."