In fact, there is no
love lost between us. I was not obliged to leave home, but under the
circumstances I preferred to."
"Where are your stepfather and your stepbrother now?"
"They are traveling in Europe."
"While you are working hard for a living! That does not seem to be
just."
"We must make the best of circumstances, Dick. Whose is that large house
on the left?"
"That belongs to Mr. Fairfield.
"He seems to live nicely."
"Yes, he has improved and enlarged the house a good deal since he moved
into it--at Mrs. Percival's expense, I suppose."
"He seems to have pretty much his own way here," said Frank.
"Yes. Mr. Percival never comes to Jackson, and I suppose he believes all
that the agent tells him."
"He may get found out some time."
"I wish he might. It would be a great blessing to Jackson if he were
removed and a good man were put in his place."
"That may happen some day."
"Not very likely, I am afraid."
At this moment Mr. Fairfield himself came out of his front gate.
"Hello, Hamlin!" he said, roughly, to Dick. "Is your father at home?"
"Yes, sir."
"I have something to say to him. I think I will call round.
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