"Go in-doors, boy, bless thee, and get something to eat."
"I think I must." And Speckbacher, whose hearing was quickened by fever, presently could distinguish the boy's stealthy footsteps in the adjoining room. Meanwhile, his wife, waking, and leaning over him to peer into his face, and see how he fared, perceived a bright smile on his lips, though his eyes were shut.
"You're shamming," said she cheerfully; "what art smiling so about, Speckbacher?"
"Thoughts of my own," said he, smiling still.
"Come! tell me."
"Look into the kitchen, Maria; I think Anderl has come back."
"Ah, the young rogue, trust him for that!"
She did not dress one bit the faster; and, when she entered the kitchen, greeted her boy just as usual. He sprang in to his father, gave him a bright, intelligent look, kissed him, and then laid his head beside him on the pillow.
"Mother knows nothing," whispered he. "How capital of you, father! Are you getting better?"