He had drifted to the West, and remained there for three years.

Then he had gone back to look for his wife, but had found out that she was dead.

He could get no trace of his little boy, and finally had gone West again.

At first he had carried himself straight, but presently he had gotten in with the wrong set and had drank and gambled, and left Mr.Endicott to go to work for Mr.Merwell.
"But I am going to turn over a new leaf," he said.

"Only let me find my boy! I'll show him what a good father I can be to him!" And his face took on a look of hope.
"And now I am going to tell you about Link Merwell," went on Hank Snogger, a little later.