"I know it, but I can't live on you all my life. I want to go out into the world, and see what I can do for myself." "Take time to think it over, Robert. You are not through school." "I shall be very soon. I have a good education already, and I can get along." "What do you want to do?" "I don't know yet. Something will open up for me." "Wait till next week," pleaded his mother. "No, I must go this very day. I have had a fight with Mr. Talbot, and I can't stay in the house any longer." "Oh, Robert, you will make me very unhappy." "I am sorry for that, mother, but I don't see how I can help it. Look on the bright side. I think things will turn out well for me." "If you must go, you must let me give you some money," and Mrs. Talbot, rising, went to her secretary. "No, mother; I have twenty dollars laid by. That will do for the present. When that is gone I will write you for some more." "Will you promise to do it, Robert?" "Yes, mother?" "Where do you think of going?" "To Chicago, first." "But you don't know anyone there, and I am told there are a great many bad men there who might lead you into temptation." "I hope I am strong enough to resist them. But I must go upstairs and get ready." Robert went up to his chamber and drew out from a closet a large grip-sack. Into this he put hurriedly a supply of shirts, socks, handkerchiefs, and underclothing. "I came near forgetting a comb and brush," he said to himself, unlocking the grip-sack after it was closed. "I am not used to traveling, but I suppose I shall be in time." Meanwhile, Mr. Talbot after taking time to recover his equanimity, sought his wife. "Mrs. T.," he said, "your promising son is getting worse and worse." "Explain yourself," she said coldly. "He sprang upon me with the ferocity of a tiger, after I had made an inoffensive remark, and taking me unawares, actually threw me down. I can't endure his presence." "You won't be obliged to. He has decided to leave home." "Where will he go?" "He is going out into the world to seek his fortune," she answered sadly. "He will fetch up in jail," said his step-father savagely. "I think, Mr. Talbot, we will drop the subject. I do not feel equal to discussing it when my dear and only child is about to leave home, driven from it by you." She rose and left the room. "Well, I'm glad he's going," thought Talbot. "I can the better carry out my plans." CHAPTER VI. ON THE TRAIN. His valise filled with a stock of necessary underwear, Robert walked to the railway station. It was a very sudden start, and he had no time to consider what he was to do, for the train moved off five minutes after his arrival. He selected a seat by a window, and placed his valise on the seat beside his own.