CHAPTER V
ABEL ARRIVES IN PORTVILLE
The train which reached Portville at four o'clock was full, and half a dozen persons were standing up. One seat, however, was not taken. At a window sat a boy of sixteen—a sallow-complexioned boy, with a face that was neither good-looking nor amiable. On the seat beside him was a valise.
"Is this seat taken?" asked a pale, tired-looking woman, who had made her way up from the other end of the car.
"Yes," answered Abel, gruffly, for this was the son of Mrs. Lane, now on his way to his mother's home.
The woman sighed, for she was in poor health and very tired.
A man sitting just behind said, indignantly:
"No, madam, it is not taken. Remove your valise, boy, and let the lady sit down."
"I am expecting a friend to get in at the next station," said Abel, crossly.
"That makes no difference. This lady is here, and is better entitled to a seat than a passenger in the next town."
"I don't see what business it is of yours," said Abel, irritably.