“‘No, no, I am not faint.’
“‘Yes, yes,’ I articulated, with the coin in my mouth; ‘get her some water.’
“Away went the old lady, and, dropping my basket and spitting out the coin, I cried, ‘Angie, Angie, bless you, my darling,’ and fell kneeling at her feet.
“‘O, Charley, it is you,—the Lord be praised!—come at last.’
“I sprang to my feet. There was time to say no more. The mother returned and looked wistfully about.
“‘I thought I heard some one saying, “Charley, Charley,”’ she said, presenting the water to Angie, who was now flushed and excited. I was searching for my coin.
“‘O, the water is warm. Mother, dear, do go to the well in the yard, and get some fresh; and look to see if there is anybody outside calling.’ And away went the old lady.
“‘Now, Charley, what brought you back? And why did you stay? And—’
“‘Wait, wait. Number nine boots brought me. I’ve come for you, Angie.’
“‘You will be arrested if you are seen here, I am afraid,’ she said.