Taking a roll of bills and some jewelry from a secret drawer, she handed them to the stranger, adding:
"They are all I have."
The man's eyes gloated over the plunder which he counted, exclaiming:
"Twenty dollars, three rings, a bracelet and a pair of diamond rings. Little enough, but I will make it do."
Covering her face with her hands, the weak-minded and unfortunate woman shed an abundance of tears.
"Come on," said Thompson to Tommy; "you're mine now. D'ye hear—or do you want a gentle reminder from the toe of my boot?"
"You needn't kick me," replied Tommy. "What I say I never go back on."
Bestowing an affectionate look on his mother, he followed the stranger from the house, and in silence they made their way to the ferry, by means of which they crossed over to New York.
Thompson took him to a house in Dey Street, where he boarded, and when they were alone in a room, he lighted his pipe, and began to talk.
"How do you suppose I get my living, sonny?" he inquired.