"I have promised not to interfere about the bag of gold," Mr. Roper added in a lower voice. "It is not safe his keeping that about him; but the chief part of the money will be secured. You and I will have some conversation another day as to the investment of it."
Daisy could only repeat her "Oh, thank you," marvelling at his success. She brought her father's shabby hat and tindery great-coat, and watched him totter feebly down the road, leaning on Mr. Roper's strong arm, and muttering to himself.
The Bank was not three minutes' quick walk distant, but a good half-hour went by before the two came back. Isaac said nothing to Daisy. He reached his easy-chair, and sank into it with a groan. Then he drew out from under his great-coat the little bag of gold pieces.
"He has that still," said Daisy.
"Yes," Mr. Roper answered; "I must leave that to you. Here is the bank-book, Daisy. It is best in your charge. Put it safely away, and I do not think your father will remember to ask you for it. He seems content with the gold."
[CHAPTER XVIII.]
OUT OF DANGER.
"CONTENT with the gold." That described Isaac's present state. He had gone back to the worship of his old idol.
Next day the move took place. Neither Isaac nor Daisy could walk so far as to their new home; and indeed poor old Isaac seemed quite spent with his unwonted exertion of the evening before. So a fly conveyed them together; Isaac hugging the bag of gold under his great-coat, caring for nothing else. He hardly spoke to Daisy, hardly looked at her. He seemed to want only to be alone, that he might enjoy his treasure. His former caution had forsaken him, and he was no longer willing to wait for the evening. The moment he was by himself, out came the wash-leather bag.
Matters went on so for two or three days. Isaac was sinking back into his old state.