From the chief, Manning learned that Duncan's parents had lived in the city for a long time, and that "Tod" was rather a wild, careless fellow, who was frequently found in bad company.

For a long time the young man and his father had been estranged, owing to the son's persistent course of folly and dissipation.

Long and patiently had the old gentleman borne with his son, and had repeatedly opened his purse to liquidate debts which Tod had contracted; but finally, finding it useless to attempt to induce him to change his mode of life, he had forbidden him the house, and had not received him since.
It was barely possible that Duncan might be found in the city, but the chief was inclined to a different belief.

In any event, however, it would be useless to seek for him beneath his father's roof.

Manning described the house at which the trunks were left, and was informed that it was occupied by a man named John Miller, a grocer, and an intimate friend of Duncan's.