t
archery. The hours glided away very rapidly, and six o'clock came before
they were aware.

"Gilbert," said Carl, as they were preparing for tea, "you have a
charming home."

"You have a nice house, too, Carl."

"True; but it isn't a home--to me. There is no love there."

"That makes a great difference."

"If I had a father and mother like yours I should be happy."

"You must stay here till day after tomorrow, and I will devote to-morrow
to a visit in your interest to your home. I will beard the lion in his
den--that is, your stepmother. Do you consent?"

"Yes, I consent; but it won't do any good."

"We will see."

CHAPTER III.

INTRODUCES PETER COOK.

Gilbert took the morning train to the town of Edgewood Center, the
residence of the Crawfords. He had been there before, and knew that
Carl's home was nearly a mile distant from the station. Though there was
a hack in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would give him a chance
to think over what he proposed to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl's behalf.

He was within a quarter of a mile of his destination when his attention
was drawn to a boy of about his own age, who was amusing himself and a
smaller companion by firing stones at a cat that had taken refuge in
a tree. Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect, and the poor cat
moaned in affright, but did not dare to come down from her perch, as
this would put her in the power of her assailant.

"That must be Carl's stepbrother, Peter," Gilbert decided, as he noted
the boy's mean face and turn-up nose. "Stoning cats seems to be his idea
of amusement. I shall take the liberty of interfering."

Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.

"I hit her, Simon," he said. "Doesn't she look seared?"

"You must have hurt her."

"I expect I did. I'll take a bigger stone next time."

He suited the action to the word, and picked up a rock which, should
it hit the poor cat, would in all probability kill her, and prepared to
fire.

"Put down that rock!" said Gilbert, indignantly.

Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"No matter who I am. Put down that rock!"

"What business is it of yours?"

"I shall make it my business to protect that cat from your cruelty."

Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage from having a companion
to back him up, and retorted: "You'd better clear out of here, or I may
fire at you."

"Do it if you dare!" said Gilbe