Where am I to go for shelter at this hour ?" And again he pulled the bell, causing it to ring longer and louder than before.

Then he leaned close to the door and listened, but no sound reached his ears.

Growing impatient, he next tried knocking.
All his efforts to gain admission, however, proved unavailing; and ceasing at last to ring or knock, he sat down upon the stone steps, and covering his face with his hands, wept bitterly.

For over a quarter of an hour he remained seated at the threshold of his father's house, from which he had been excluded.

During that period, much of his previous life passed in review before him, and the conclusions of the boy's mind were at last expressed in these words-- "I believe father hates the very sight of me! He says I'm going to ruin, and so I am; but he is driving me there.