With the princess in his arms, Joe arose, put on his hat, and held out his hand in token of adieu.
Mrs. Weber looked at him in surprise an instant, and then, after saying something in German, hastened out of the room, returning a moment later with several silver coins in her hand.
Joe hesitated, and then took from the outstretched palm fifty cents, motioning that she keep the remainder.
The old lady shook her head, energetically, and literally forced him to take all the coins, which amounted in value to ninety cents.
"You've only kept a dime," he said, in protest, "an' it isn't enough to pay for takin' care of the princess two days."
Mrs. Weber smiled, kindly, patted Joe on the head, kissed the princess affectionately, and by opening the door signified that she would not accept further payment for her services.
"I'll come back some day an' square up for what you've done," Joe cried, as he stepped down on to the sidewalk, and then he remembered that if matters were arranged as seemed necessary, he would soon be in prison. "Anyway, I'll come back as soon as I can," he added to himself, and kissing the tiny hand which the princess had wilfully placed over his mouth, he set forward, resolutely, on the journey, followed by the boy who claimed the right to dictate as to his future movements.
During half an hour Joe walked steadily on towards aunt Dorcas's peaceful home, listening to the princess's childish prattle, and banishing all forebodings from his mind with the thought that the baby trusted and loved him.
Then Dan, who had been walking a few paces in the rear, came to his side, appearing a trifle more friendly than when they first met.
"At this rate you'll get back in time for dinner."