"What is Ben's attitude? Is he resentful?"
"Not at all. He is a quiet, sensible fellow, who takes things philosophically. He knows it was all an accident, of course. And he knows that father has done everything possible, besides taking on himself the support of both Ben and his mother for life."
"That is more than mere justice."
"Oh, father is like that! Besides, they would be helpless. Ben's father was a roving character who lived for years among the Indians. He hasn't been heard of for years, and no one knows whether he is dead or alive. He had practically deserted them years before Ben's accident. So father felt responsible for them, because of Henry."
"I see," said Burton thoughtfully.
Just then the door was thrown suddenly open, and Mrs. Bussey popped in, her face curiously distorted with excitement.
"The Spriggs' house is burnt!" she exclaimed, with obvious enjoyment in chronicling great news.
"How do you know?" demanded Leslie.
"Milkman told me. Burnt to the ground."
"Was any one hurt?"