On the way home that night the two met Pep. The urchin had evidently been waiting for Richard, for he ran up at once.
"I've got something for you, Mr. Dare," he exclaimed, and shifting his bundle of papers he drew out a silver dollar from his ragged clothes. "Here is one of de dollars I owes yer. I'll have de odder one in a few days, I guess."
"Did you earn it?" asked Richard, without taking the proffered coin.
"Yes, sir, honestly too, sellin' papers."
"And how is your father? Any better?"
"Not much, sir. That pneumony hangs on so."
"Perhaps you had better keep this money. You may need it for medicine."
"No, sir, I'm earning enough to buy that now. I want you to take this. I'd feel better if yer did. If it wasn't fer dad I a-given it to yer long ago."
"All right then." Richard slipped the coin in his pocket. "I'd like to see your father once, and see how you live. Maybe I and my friend here, Mr. Massanet, can help you a bit. Can I come?"
Pep hung his head.