from side to side. The blood receded from his cheeks, leaving him
quite as pale as before. He whispered:

"I ran away."

"Yes. That's what I supposed," said Mr. Cameron, easily. "What for?"

"I--I can't tell you."

"What did you do?"

"I didn't say I did anything. I just got sick of it up there, and
came away," the boy said, sullenly.

"Your father is dead?" asked the gentleman, shrewdly.

"Yes, sir."

"Got a mother?"

"Yes, sir."

"Doesn't she need you?"

"No, sir."

"Why not?"

"She's got Ez, and Peter, and 'Lias to work the farm. They're all
older'n me. Then there's the two gals and Bob, who are younger. She