"I thought so. Come, lead the way. I won't trouble you to light the fire. I'll do it myself."
With something that sounded like a groan, the old man led the way, and ushered his unwelcome guest into the room described in one of the earlier chapters.
Randall used as much wood in kindling a fire as would have lasted Peter a whole day.
"You will ruin me," he said, in dismay.
"Then you'll be ruined in a good cause," said Randall. "But I say, Peter, don't you remember what we talked about when I visited you last?"
The old man groaned, thinking of the thousand dollars.
"Seems to me it has not left a very agreeable impression upon your mind," remarked his companion. "Don't you want me to tell you of the boy that I spirited away?"
"Is he dead?" asked Peter, eagerly.
"No; curse him, he escaped from me."
"You—you didn't let him know about the money?"