"Yes; I knew he wouldn't let me come if he knew my plans."
"Didn't you leave a note for him?"
"Yes. I'll tell you what I wrote. I have a copy of it here."
Leslie drew from his pocket a half sheet of note paper, and read aloud the following words:
"Dear Father—
"When you read these words I shall be far from home. I suppose I ought not to go, but I am tired of the country, and I want to win fame and fortune. I have a plan in view which I have considered for years. I won't tell you what it is now, for though strictly honorable, you might not approve it. I think I understand myself better than you do, though you are my father. I will let you hear from me soon. Your son,
Leslie Waters."
"Of course you don't know how this was received by your father?"
"I met a boy from Rahway this morning. He told me that father was mad, and said he washed his hands of me, that I was a fool, and would very soon find it out."
"Then you don't think he will pursue you?"