He realized that Andy was not as easily scared as he anticipated. To be balked by a mere boy was galling to him. If he only had a pistol himself; but he had none. He had had one when he left New York, but he had sold it for two dollars, fifty miles away. He was positively helpless, while Andy had him at a disadvantage. Should he give up his intended robbery? That would be a bitter disappointment, for he was penniless, and five hundred dollars would be a great windfall for him. An idea came to him.
“Put down your gun,” he said, in a milder tone. “I have something to propose to you.”
In some surprise, Andy complied with his request.
“There are five hundred dollars in this house.”
“You say so,” said Andy, non-committally.
“Pooh! I know there are. That is a large sum of money.”
“I suppose it is,” said Andy, who did not understand his drift.
“So is half of it. Two hundred and fifty dollars would be a big sum for a boy like you.”
“What have I to do with it?” asked Andy, puzzled.
“Open this window and let me in, and I’ll share the money with you.”