“I sail for Europe next week,” said Herbert, enjoying his uncle's surprise.
“Sail for Europe!” ejaculated Mr. Stanton, scarcely believing his ears.
“Yes, I am to go to school there, and shall probably remain three or four years.”
“You are trifling with me,” said his uncle, irritably. “How can you go to Europe without money?”
Herbert felt that the time had come for an explanation.
“A friend,” he said, “kindly undertakes to pay all my expenses. I go with him.”
“Who is your friend?”
“Mr. Ralph Pendleton. I believe you know him.”
“Ralph Pendleton!” repeated Mr. Stanton, in renewed surprise. “How did you become acquainted with him?”
“The farmer with whom I was placed in Ohio ill-treated me. Ralph lived near by, and helped me to run away.”