He had always lived in the midst of evil influences, led by the example of a drunken, brutal father, and surrounded by wicked companions, and it is no wonder that his youthful aspirations were in the wrong direction.
Lee and his associates, as they were not obliged so attend school, and were under no parental control, always amused themselves as they saw it.

Most of their time was spent on the river or in the woods, and, when weary of this sport, the orchards and melon-patches around the village, although closely guarded, were sure to suffer at their hands; and they planned and executed their plundering expeditions with so much skill and cunning, that they were rarely detected.
A day or two after the events related in the preceding chapter transpired, Charles Morgan, in company with two or three of his chosen companions, was enjoying a sail on the river.

During their conversation, one of the boys chanced to say something about the Hillers, and Charles inquired who they were.

His companions gave him the desired information, and ended by denouncing them in the strongest terms.
Charles, after hearing them through, exclaimed, "I'd just like to catch one of those boys robbing our orchard or hen-roost.

One or the of us would get a pummeling, sure as shooting." "Yes," said one of the boys, "but, you see, they do not go alone.