“Still wondering, I led the way into the sitting-room, where your father—where Mr. Fowler——”
“Call him my father—I know no other,” said Frank.
“Where your father was seated.
“‘You have answered an advertisement,’ said the stranger.
“‘Yes, sir,’ I replied.
“‘I am A. M.,’ was his next announcement. ‘Of course I have received many letters, but on the whole I was led to consider yours most favorably. I have made inquiries about you in the neighborhood, and the answers have been satisfactory. You have no children of your own?’
“‘No, sir.’
“‘All the better. You would be able to give more attention to this child.’
“‘Is it yours, sir?’ I asked
“‘Ye-es,’ he answered, with hesitation. ‘Circumstances,’ he continued, ‘circumstances which I need not state, compel me to separate from it. Five hundred dollars a year will be paid for its maintenance.’