"I am rested enough now," he said. "I think I can go out for a little while. I will get back before Tom comes home."
He took an old battered hat from a nail on which it hung, and with feeble step left the room, grasping the banister to steady his steps as he descended the stairs.
Mrs. Flanagan's door was open, and, though the old man made but little noise, she heard it.
She lifted both hands in amazement when she saw him.
"Shure ye are too wake to go out," said she. "Come, now, go up and lie on the bed till ye are better. Tom'll be mad if he knows ye have gone out."
"Ye needn't tell him," said Jacob, hastily. "I want to breathe the fresh air; it'll do me good."
"Shure you're not fit to go alone; I'll send my Mike wid you. He's only six, but he's a smart lad."
"I'd rather go alone," said Jacob, who was afraid the little boy would report his begging. "I—I am stronger than you think. I won't be gone long."
Mrs. Flanagan saw that he was obstinate, and she did not press the point. But after he had got down stairs she called Mike, and said:
"Mike, dear, go after the old man, and see where he goes; but don't you let him see you. I'll give you a penny to buy candy when you get back."